French gov't partially renews licence of horsemeat scandal firm

The French government on Monday decided to partially renew the operating licence of processing-meat firm Spanghero that was implicated in the horsemeat scandal.

The domestic company, accused of selling horsemeat labeled as beef, will resume producing minced meat, sausages and ready-to-eat meals, Agriculture Minister Stephane Le Foll said.

However, the licence to stock frozen meats remained suspended, he added in a statement posted on the ministry's website.

Last Thursday, the government decided to withdraw Spanghero's licence, putting at risk about 300 jobs, after preliminary elements showed that it knowingly sold horsemeat in beef products.

Barthelemy Aguerre, the company's boss, rejected the accusations but acknowledged minor negligence.

Later on Monday, French food ministers will meet with representatives of Spanghero workers to discuss the firm's future and the situation of its employees.

The horsemeat scandal has spread to some 16 European countries including Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Poland and Sweden.