Traces of pork DNA found in UK prison food

A supplier of halal meat to prisons in the UK has had its contract suspended following detection of pork DNA traces in pies and pasties.

According to the UK ministry of justice, it had withdrawn the products immediately, while justice minister Jeremy Wright said the Prison Service was investigating on an urgent basis.

According to Wright this was an absolutely unacceptable situation and one which was deeply regretted.

He added, this must be distressing for those affected and they could be reassured everything was being done to resolve the situation.

He said the Prison Service was investigating this as a matter of urgency.

The case follows the incident of horsemeat traces being found in burgers sold by some UK supermarkets, including Tesco. (See: Horsemeat scandal: Tesco drops main supplier)

A spokesman for the ministry of justice said, all prisons had been informed about this very regrettable incident and the issue was reported to the Food Standards Agency immediately.