MOSCOW, August 11 (RAPSI) - The Federal Agency for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) may sue the Auchan store chain to suspend the retailer’s processing and production of convenience food, Natalya Sokolova, the agency’s spokesperson in Moscow and the Moscow and Tula regions, announced on Tuesday.

Sokolova recalled that during an inspection of the Auchan stores, Rosselkhoznadzor took samples of meat products, raw meat, and prefabricated meat products and sausages used in pizza. The samples were sent for laboratory analysis that revealed Listeria bacteria and excessive E.coli bacteria, among others.

Since late July, Rosselkhoznadzor has reported violations by the Auchan chain. The agency, for example, found that the retailer tampers with labeling to “extend” expiration dates during storage, processing and sales. Additionally, the agency found that meat products contained poultry and horse meat.

Auchan acknowledged the agency’s complaints regarding the expiration dates, storage and other violations. However, the chain plans to dispute other claims. The retailer will contest the allegations of horse DNA found in the meat. It claims horse meat is not used in production.