Lima, Peru: Police seize 10 tons of horse meat to be sold as beef
Posted by Wolfy Becker on April 16th, 2007
(JP-wb) — The Peruvian police seized 10 tons of horse meat in a factory located in Lima’s eastern district of Ate. Apparently the meat was supposed to be sold as regular beef on Lima’s markets.
The illegal merchandise was confiscated on the premises of company Cinasur SRL and is valued at S/. 50,000 Nuevo Soles (approximately US$ 16,000). The meat was packed up in 520 bags of 20 kilos each and stored without refrigeration.
Police chief Walter Rivera informed the surprise operation was made early Sunday morning after the halting of two company vehicles left the factory loaded with 314 and 250 kilos respectively.
According to first reports, the horse meat originated from farms in the Huaral, Ayacucho, Huanta and other areas in central Peru. The horses were either stolen or bought for a very low price.
Although the police arrested two factory workers, they are still looking for the manager, Henry Smith Bonilla Tolentino (35).
Rivera explained horse meat has a slightly sweet taste reminiscent of a combination of beef and venison. Meat from younger horses tends to be lighter in color and not as juicy as beef, while older horses produce richer color and flavor, as with most mammals. Horse meat can be used to replace beef, pork, mutton, and any other meat in virtually any recipe.
Horse is commonly eaten in many countries in Europe and Asia. It is a taboo food in anglophone countries such as the United Kingdom, the US, and Australia. Horse meat is not generally eaten in Spain, although the country exports horses both “on the hoof and on the hook” (i.e. live animals and slaughtered meat) for the French and Italian market; however, horse meat is consumed in some Latin American countries such as Mexico. It is illegal in some countries, including Peru and Brazil.
