January 3, 2014
Wal-Mart Eyes Legal Action Over Donkey Meat Recall
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says it's considering taking legal action against "responsible parties" after DNA testing showed traces of fox meat in the donkey meat it sold in China.
Wal-Mart had recalled the donkey meat - which it said was considered a popular delicacy in parts of China - after DNA testing by a government agency. The company said Thursday that it withdrew all products from the supplier, Dezhou Fujude Food Company, and that affected customers were offered compensation.
It also says it plans to add DNA testing to its meat products in China.
Wal-Mart, based in Bentonville, Ark., has 404 stores in China. A spokesman for the company, Kevin Gardner, says only a select number of stores were affected, but didn't give a specific number.
It's not the first time a U.S. company has encountered supply issues in China, where food safety is a significant concern among consumers. Yum Brands Inc., which owns KFC, is still working to repair its reputation after a Chinese TV report in 2012 that showed some of its suppliers were giving chickens unapproved levels of antibiotics.
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
