Lancashire county council found horse DNA in tests on cottage pies fed to kids in schools across the district. It is antipated that this is the tip of the iceberg as far as supplies to schools is concerned.

“People will be shocked and dismayed to find out just how far the horse meat scandal has spread.” said shadow environment secretary Mary Creagh.

“Lancashire County Council has withdrawn a beef product from 47 school kitchens after it provisionally tested positive for traces of horse DNA.” said a statement from the council, who have withdrawn supplies of cottage pies destined for schools.

Hospitals in Northern Ireland have also been sold horsemeat in burgers sold as beef.

Pub chain Whitbread, whose outlets include Beefeater Grill, Brewers Fayre and Premier Inn, have admitted that burgers and lasagnes sold in their premises were tainted with horse meat.