I am heading to South Africa in October of this year to give a series of lectures on safe food a.k.a., “why it is a bad idea to poison your customer.”  It appears that I might need to move up the timing of my trip.  According to South African news:

As the horse meat scandal rages in Europe, top local researchers have found “fraudulent meat products” across South Africa. The study found that anything from soy, donkey, goat and water buffalo was found in up to 68 percent of the minced meats, burger patties, deli meats, sausages and dried meats that were tested.  In other cases, undeclared plant matter was detected.  These ingredients were not declared on the products’ packaging labels.

The study was published in the international Food Control journal, and was carried out by Dr. Donna-Maree Cawthorn and Professor Louw Hoffman of the Stellenbosch University Department of Animal Sciences, with Harris Steinman of Food & Allergy Consulting & Testing Services in Milnerton.

“Our study confirms that the mislabeling of processed meats is commonplace in South Africa and not only violates food labeling regulations but also poses economic, religious, ethical and health impacts,” said Professor Louw Hoffman of the Department of Animal Sciences.

The study found that soy, donkey, goat and water buffalo were contained in up to 68 percent of the 139 minced meats, burger patties, deli meats, sausages and dried meats that were tested.

Seriously, all of Europe and South Africa are having this issue and nothing is going on in the United States?  Really?