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Horse meat
A few figures
88% of draught horses are bred to produce horse meat, mainly before 18 months. 410% are used in livestock reproduction and 2% for activities such as sport, leisure or work.
In 2007, France exported 13,710 live horses, mainly to Italy (71%) and Spain (15%) and 8,610 tonnes of horse meat. Despite a large deficit in the supply of the French horse meat market, French production exports widely. The balance of export sales is, however, clearly in deficit (around 50 million euros in 2007).
Did you know ?
Any horse owner may decide, at any time in the animal’s life, that the horse cannot be used for human consumption. In France, there are 1,000 horse butchers. Besides bread, it is the only product to be sold mostly through small shops rather than supermarkets !
The north of France and the Paris region eat as much horse meat as the rest of the country ! In the last century, doctors prescribed horse meat to their patients suffering from anaemia (chronic fatigue): it is exceptionally rich in iron!
We always have a reason to love horse meat!
Horse meat is a key sector for the development of draught horse breeding in France. in this sense, it is fundamental to promote and support this product and make it sustainable.
This is why, for a few years now, three new markets have been expanded for this exceptional product: mince sold in supermarkets, catering (be it commercial or institutional) and nonhorse butchers.
Célia Pasquetti, Manager of Interbev Equins, Horse Meat Mission Representative to the French National Horse Federation 11 rue de la Baume - 75008 Paris;
Tel. : +33 (0)1 45 63 05 90 - Fax: +33 (0)1 45 63 01 41
For the latest news on horse meat, visit the website www.fnc.fnsea.fr, Horse Meat! )