The European Union (EU) has approved the immediate launch of a plan to battle food fraud drawn up in the wake of the horse meat scandal spreading across Europe.

DNA testing is to begin immediately on beef products and checks will be conducted in abattoirs for the presence of an equine drug 'bute', which is potentially harmful to humans.

The DNA controls are to be carried out mainly at the retail level.

They will include 2,250 samples across the EU ranging from 10 to 150 per member State.

Every 50 tonnes of horse meat will be tested for bute with each of the 27 States required to carry out a minimum of 5 tests over the next month.

The proposals from the European Commission received the support of the majority of member States and were agreed by consensus.

'Important in restoring consumer confidence'

The Minster for Agriculture Simon Coveney has welcomed the development.

The meeting in Brussels today was a follow-on to the meeting of Ministers and Commissioner Borg earlier this week called by the Irish Presidency and chaired by Minister Coveney.

The Minister confirmed that Ireland strongly supports the proposals and that today's meeting was "another important step in restoring consumer confidence and is a direct result of the Irish Presidency's initiative to convene the special meeting of Ministers on Wednesday".

"This testing will contribute to a clearer understanding of the situation across Europe" he added.

The Minister also confirmed that the issue will be discussed again at the Council of Agriculture Ministers on February 25th.

Speaking on Wednesday the Minister said that while there is no safety issue, it is important to have reassurances.