Horse meat

[MaryN]

The problem with horsemeat is that it may contain Bute, or phenylbutazone which is an NSAID used to treat inflammation in horses. It is usually used in the short term to treat problems like laminitis or tendonitis. Used long term it can cause ulcers, kidney problems and bleeding in horses.

In humans Bute is regarded as a carcinogen and can cause bone marrow loss and anaemia. The problem in the current "crisis" is that many of the horses used for meat have not been traceable and there is therefore no record as to how much Bute, or other drugs, have been used, and therefore could be in the horsemeat.

Not a good situation for anyone to contemplate.