Auckland Council inspectors have pushed for the removal of a horse pie from the menu of an east Auckland bakery following an investigation.
Despite ongoing viral activity on social media, an Auckland Bakery has removed its controversial horse meat pie from its menu.
The Lo’i Hoosi pie was inspired by the traditional Tongan dish, and attracted an avalanche of attention online. The Pakuranga Bakery began selling its pie adaptation of Lo’i Hoosi before Christmas, but action from Auckland Council put an end to its run.
Council inspectors said that complaints had been made, and a subsequent investigation found that the horse meat used in the pies had not been sourced by a registered supplier.
The Ministry of Primary Industries said there is only one meat processor in New Zealand that is registered to slaughter and process horse meat for human consumption.
Meat that has not been processed correctly has the risk of containing bacteria, depending on whether the animals were sick or diseased, and could be cross-contaminated if there are unhygienic conditions during the processing.
This step was taken by inspectors in the interest of public health.
Pakuranga Bakery said it sourced the supply of horse meat already prepared as Lo’i Hoosi. Owners of the bakery said they believed the horse meat used in the pies was legitimately sourced.
The bakery is not under investigation by the council. However, any supplier that has knowingly prepared or sold meat that is unfit for human consumption can face penalties of up to one year in prison or a fine of NZD 100,000.
So far, there have been no reported cases of the Lo’i Hoosi pie causing sickness.
Horse meat is safe for human consumption as long as it has been slaughtered and processed following the appropriate food safety measures.
Any meat coming into New Zealand must carry official certification from the exporting country that it meets New Zealand biosecurity, food safety and legal requirements, including truth in labelling.
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