In a statement, the UFU president said Northern Ireland farmers had invested in a "birth to farm gate" traceability system in the local red meat sector, which was complemented by the Farm Quality Assurance Scheme.

BBC: Ulster Farmers' Union: Anger over horsemeat scandal

"While the mood among farmers is still one of anger that the red meat sector has been dragged into this horsemeat scandal, there is also the need to press ahead and make a better food chain, " he said.

BBC: Michelle O'Neill and John O'Dowd

On the bad, he offers Mr Berlusconi, organised crime and corruption, the public sector, red tape and Naples.

ECONOMIST: How to slay its demons