Denmark tackles meat fraud; seizes grain held in poor conditions

Product testing in Denmark revealed traces of animal DNA that were not included in the ingredient list, although the majority were in low quantities.

Fødevarestyrelsen (the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration) said a new DNA method would make it easier to detect meat and fish fraud.

More than 20 percent of the samples contained other animal species than those declared. The agency said the findings illustrate the need for more targeted controls and clearer procedures to uncover potential fraud or non-compliance in the food chain.

In 12 of the 54 products tested with the DNA analysis method at the agency’s laboratory in Ringsted, traces of animal DNA not listed on the packaging were found.

Results highlighted
Fødevarestyrelsen said that using WeNou as an accredited external laboratory strengthened the credibility of the results, especially in case of discrepancies related to the declaration. WeNou is a laboratory in Portugal.

Samples of prepackaged foods, such as breaded fish and lasagna, were taken to declare the specific content of a certain species.

Two samples contained more fish species than listed. One sample revealed undeclared animal DNA, leading to sanctions and follow-up checks within the company.

Examples include traces of turkey DNA in beef sausages and chicken DNA in duck. Low levels of pork and lamb DNA were found in beef and traces of duck and chicken in turkey.

Another sample contained an undeclared animal species. Fødevarestyrelsen said the possibility of fraud would have been worth investigating if the producer was Danish.

Fødevarestyrelsen recommended that in future campaigns there should be an assessment of accreditation status and sanctioning options before the project starts. The results highlight the importance of traceability and the ability to quickly find the right documentation.

“Whether through unintentional errors or systematic cheating, incorrect product declaration can have serious consequences for some consumers, particularly those with allergies,” said Henrik Dammand of Fødevarestyrelsen.

Danish Agricultural Inspectorate
In the meantime, Fødevarestyrelsen has seized all grain intended for food at one of Danish Agro’s sites.

After an inspection at Danish Agro in Dalmose, the agency confiscated around 50,000 tonnes of this year’s harvest. According to the company, the site’s capacity was exceeded by 36 percent.

Fødevarestyrelsen also banned the sale of all grain and ordered the company to tell its customers to remove resold grain.

An inspection at an unnamed company that received grain from Danish Agro Dalmose found that there was documentation of product quality and safety and that there were no traces of mycotoxins. Fødevarestyrelsen said this means there is no risk to consumers.

Dalmose inspectors found pest infestation in lobbies and outdoor areas as well as mouse and rat droppings in several locations. They also saw an owl and feathers from other dead birds.

Some buildings needed repairs and were not pest-proof. Large quantities of grain left outside since harvest in August 2025 had become damp and showed signs of mold. Fødevarestyrelsen said this poses a risk of mycotoxin contamination.

According to documents from Danish Agro, 41 loads were delivered between August 7 and September 29, six of which were rejected by customers due to poor quality. An inspection report dated October 27 said the company was taking measures such as pest control in buildings and removing grain for biogas.

Fødevarestyrelsen is also studying conditions at other Danish agri-food sites. A visit to Nykøbing in early October revealed droppings and traces of rodents, an accumulation of dust and wet grains in a recently flooded room. The company had documentation showing the cleanup before the season began in mid-July, but none has been done since. An external pest control company has visited the site several times over the past few months and has captured rats during some of these visits.

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