Testing of the product in Denmark revealed traces of animal DNA that were not on the ingredient list, although most were in small quantities.
Fødevarestyrelsen (the Danish Veterinary and Food Authority) said the new DNA method will make it easier to uncover meat and fish fraud.
More than 20 percent of the samples contained species other than those reported. The agency said the findings illustrate the need for more targeted controls and clearer procedures to identify potential fraud or non-compliance in the food chain.
Twelve of the 54 products tested by DNA at the agency's laboratory in Ringsted were found to contain traces of animal DNA that were not listed on the packaging.
Highlighted results
Födevarestirelsen said using WeNou as an external accredited laboratory increased confidence in the results, especially in cases of discrepancies related to the declaration. WeNou is a laboratory in Portugal.
Samples were taken of packaged foods, such as breaded fish and lasagne, that specifically claim to contain certain species.
Two samples contained more fish species than listed. Undeclared animal DNA was found in one sample, which led to sanctions and subsequent inspections at 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 were found in turkey.
Another sample contained an undeclared animal species. Födevarestirelsen said it would be worth investigating the possibility of fraud if the producer were Danish.
Födevarestirelsen recommended that future campaigns assess accreditation status and sanction options before starting a project. The results highlight the importance of traceability and the ability to quickly find relevant documentation.
“Whether it is an unintentional error or systematic fraud, incorrect product declarations can have serious consequences for some consumers, including those with allergies,” said Henrik Dammand of Fødevarestyrelsen.
Danish agricultural inspectorate
Meanwhile, Fødevarestyrelsen confiscated all grain for food use at one of Danish Agro's enterprises.
Following an inspection of Danish Agro in Dalmoz, the agency seized around 50,000 tonnes of this year's crop. According to the company, the facility is 36 percent over capacity.
Fødevarestyrelsen also banned the sale of any grain and ordered the firm to tell its customers to recall oversold grain.
An inspection of an unnamed company that received grain from the Danish Agro Dalmose revealed the presence of documentation about the quality and safety of the products and the absence of traces of mycotoxins. Födevarestirelsen said this means there is no risk to consumers.
Inspectors at Dalmoz found pest infestations in hallways and outdoor areas, as well as mouse and rat droppings in several areas. They also saw an owl and the feathers of other dead birds.
Some buildings were in need of repair and were not protected from pests. A large amount of grain left outside after the August 2025 harvest became damp and showed signs of mold. Födevarestirelsen said this poses a risk of mycotoxin contamination.
According to Danish Agro documents, 41 consignments were delivered between August 7 and September 29, of which six were rejected by buyers due to poor quality. An inspection report dated Oct. 27 said the company was involved in activities such as pest control in buildings and recycling grain to produce biogas.
Fødevarestyrelsen is also examining conditions at other Danish Agro sites. A visit to Nykøbing in early October revealed rodent droppings and evidence, dust accumulation and wet grain in a room that had recently been flooded. The company had documentation of pre-season cleaning in mid-July, but nothing has been done since then. An outside pest control company has visited the property several times in recent months and caught rats during some of those visits.
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