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Horsemeat scandal harming Ireland’s reputation

DUBLIN — Ireland’s prime minister says the latest finding of horsemeat in products labeled as Polish beef is harming Ireland’s reputation as an exporter of high-quality meat products.

Enda Kenny spoke before Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting to discuss the widening scandal. Food Safety Authority of Ireland scientists made the discovery last month by conducting DNA tests on dozens of beef burger brands and finding some contained horse as a substantial ingredient.

Irish investigators have pinned the problem on Polish offcuts imported to Ireland for use as filler in factory-made burger patties. Poland says it has found no evidence to support Ireland’s charges.

In results announced Monday, Ireland says one sample of the Polish-labeled product was found to be 75 percent horsemeat.

Kenny says identifying the source is “a matter of reputation.”

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