The Swedish furniture giant pulls the product from its stores in 24 countries, including the former British crown colony and Thailand. The scandal widens, as other European companies are involved. EU officials plan new import regulations.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Swedish giant IKEA has become entangled in the growing food scandal, which has now reached Asia. After the authorities found horsemeat in meatballs labelled beef, the company pulled the product from its shelves in Asia and the Caribbean bringing the total number of countries involved to 24.

The decision was taken ahead of the release of test results on the possible presence of horsemeat. "This is in 26 markets in 24 countries covered by our Swedish supplier," IKEA spokesperson Ilva Magnusson said.

The stores affected were mostly in Europe but also in Hong Kong, Thailand and the Dominican Republic, all of which were getting meatballs from the same Swedish supplier.

Tests are being conducted in a German lab with the first results expected on Thursday.

The problem began when Czech authorities detected horse DNA in tests of 1kg packs of frozen meatballs sold by the Swedish company.

To deal with the matter, European Union officials met yesterday to discuss Europe-wide food import regulations. In fact, the problem now goes beyond the Swedish company, but touches companies like Nestle and Buitoni, which stopped using local suppliers.

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