"Food businesses supplying processed beef products to public sector premises, including schools, prisons and hospitals, are already involved in an inspection and testing regime led by the Food Standards Agency, " he said.

BBC: Beef burger generic

The accidents prompted the resignation of the city's buildings commissioner and fueled new safety measures, including hiring more inspectors, stiffening testing and licensing requirements and expanding inspection checklists.

WSJ: APNewsBreak: Operator cited in NYC crane collapse

"We've agreed a tougher inspection regime, we've asked hospitals and schools and prisons to check with their suppliers that they are testing their products... if there has been criminal activity then there should be the full intervention of the law, " he told MPs during Prime Minister's Questions.

BBC: Horsemeat scandal: UK welcomes EU-wide horsemeat tests