Emergency talks on horse meat crisis as butchers see sales increase

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, who was meeting food retailers and suppliers today, revealed that European investigators were viewing some of recent cases as potential fraud.

However, the scandal has proved good news for local butchers with many reporting a boom in profits as customers turn to "trusted" local shopkeepers.

One butcher in the region said his burger sales had doubled in the past two weeks, while another has seen his profits soar 50 per cent.

Michael Kirk butchers in Wolverhampton, which has a sign outside its Woolpack Street premises saying "no horse meat", has seen its takings go up 50 per cent.

Owner Michael Bachyk said customers were flocking back to his shop because they could trust the quality of its products.

"Customers are losing faith in what they're buying from supermarkets," he added. "Our sales are up at least 50 per cent – mostly on beef – and people are realising our products can be trusted and that buying fresh produce is much better for them."

It has now emerged that Findus beef lasagnes may have been contaminated since August. Labour's Tom Watson, the MP for West Bromwich East, published a letter on his website which he claimed was sent by Findus to retailers on Monday, warning that a France-based supplier had told it there may be problems with raw materials delivered since August 1.

Supermarket Aldi said yesterday its Today's Special frozen beef lasagne and Today's Special frozen spaghetti bolognese, which are produced by the same French supplier Comigel, had up to 100 per cent horse meat.

Mr Paterson was meeting officials from the Food Standards Agency and retailers to seek reassurances about food safety but said the FSA was 'confident' all material on sale was fit for human consumption.

Findus has yet to comment.