France eases horsemeat firm restrictions

The French government has allowed the company at the heart of the horsemeat scandal to restart part of its meat production operation.

Spanghero has been accused of passing off horsemeat in meals labelled beef, but workers’ leaders argued that unwitting staff should not be penalised.

The company had its meat production licence partially restored today, allowing it to produce minced meat, sausages and make ready made dishes from fresh meat. However, the company has been told it must not handle or make any food from frozen products.