More than a third of Brits would be willing to eat horsemeat if it was properly sourced, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by the Sunday Times.
Following the horsemeat scandal, more than a third (37%) of the British public say they would be prepared to eat horsemeat if it was properly sourced, compared to 35% who would not. 19% are unsure.
Meanwhile, a majority (68%) think that eating horsemeat does not pose a risk to people’s health, while one in five (20%) Brits disagree and 12% aren’t sure. This follows revelations that the drug phenylbutazone, which is banned in food has been found in products that contain horsemeat.
Good job by government
Almost half (47%) of the public believe the government have handled the horsemeat issue well, compared to 39% who think they have handled the situation badly and 13% who are unsure.
Moreover, only 6% of people blame the government for the horsemeat scandal, while the plurality (46%) place blame with meat processors, over a quarter (26%) place the responsibility with food manufacturers and 11% lay it at the door of supermarkets.
More checks must be done
Most people (91%) in Britain believe that food manufacturers should be doing more to ensure the safety and security of the food chain and 81% say the same of supermarkets and retailers.
Meanwhile, 61% of Brits think this responsibility also lies with the government, compared to more than a quarter (27%) that say the government is already doing the best it can to guarantee the safety and security of food in Britain.
