Officials believe the scandal is the result of intentional mislabeling rather than accidental contamination.

WSJ: U.K. Arrests Men in Horse-Meat Probe

Others say it's the perception of a problem stemming from a few disreputable domestic wineries mislabeling vintages and grapes.

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According to media reports, Draap's director was convicted by a Breda court in January 2012 in relation to the mislabeling of horse meat as beef.

WSJ: U.K. Arrests Men in Horse-Meat Probe

European officials are trying to determine whether the mislabeling can be traced back to one scheme or whether passing horse meat as beef is a widespread practice.

WSJ: U.K. Arrests Men in Horse-Meat Probe

Nina Giampaoli and John Elbert, who reside in Sonoma County, California, are the plaintiffs who say they stopped buying Budweiser after learning of the alleged mislabeling, the suit said.

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Also on Thursday, British authorities said they found the presence of an equine veterinary drug in carcasses of slaughtered horses that may have entered the food chain, escalating the scandal from one of mislabeling to one with potential health implications.

WSJ: U.K. Arrests Men in Horse-Meat Probe