In the wake of the meat scandal, should financial sanctions be reinforced for food fraudsters while checks and tests continue?

Horsemeat scandal: Reinforcing fines?

The horsemeat scandal  has spread Europe-wide.

Extensive testing has shown  not only traces of horsemeat

and, over in South Africa, we also  have cases of kangaroo and giraffe.

It's no wonder then that sales of beef  products in Europe have dropped by 40%.

The EU enforces food safety  via regulations.

But food safety is a national responsibility.

National authorities do carry out a range  of tests such as DNA testing

but the problem has come  from countries having different rules

The EU has denied a slow response  to the horsemeat scandal.

It's promised 'increased controls'  including DNA tests and checks for bute.

With concerns being raised over the EU's  supply chain, what are the solutions?

because they are going to have  over 2000 DNA inspections.

After having this report on how  they went and what the results are...

With this basis we should  start our discussion.

But for a British MEP  manufacturers should also do more.

Well, it seems we're having  to pick up the bill for this.

I think manufacturers  have a responsibility.

Manufacturers make huge profits  on the food they sell.

There's a loss of consumer confidence  and sales of ready meals have gone down.

They need to take  their responsibility seriously.

They should be carrying out the testing and  ensure they know where their meat's from.

The Commission promised  real action is on the way.

Mandatory checks will be enforced and by  summer a new proposal should be in place

that will force Member States to impose  financial sanctions on guilty parties.

As the debate carries on... our advice?  Watch what you eat!