Makro has confirmed one of the products it withdrew from sale last month has tested positive for horse meat.

The wholesaler withdrew 16 branded and own-label frozen beef burger products from its shelves on 16 January, as a “precautionary measure” while suppliers Silvercrest, Liffey and Dalepak were under investigation.

It confirmed this morning that one brand - Unger beef burgers 48/4oz supplied by Silvercrest Foods – “did contain a trace of horse”.

“We no longer sell the Unger product,” a Makro spokeswoman confirmed.

“All the own label samples that were on sale were clear of horse. We continue to test in line with FSA guidelines and take food safety very seriously,” she added.