Over two thirds of
"Our study confirms that the mislabelling of processed meats is commonplace in
"Unconventional species such as donkey, goat and water buffalo were also discovered in a number of products," said Hoffman in a statement on the university website.
Up to 68 percent of 139 meat samples from shops and butcheries had irregular ingredients, the DNA-based study found, with pork and chicken most often substituted for other meat.
Researchers even found plant matter in the minced meat, burger patties, sausages and deli and dried meat.
A lack of tough policing had facilitated the practice, said Hoffman.
"Even though we have local regulations that protect consumers from being sold falsely described or inferior foodstuffs, we need these measures to be appropriately enforced."
A vast food scandal has erupted in Europe after horsemeat was found in so-called beef ready-made meals and burgers.