Wal-Mart Stores Inc. issued a recall for donkey meat sold in China at some of its retail outlets, after tests showed it contained DNA of other animals, namely fox.
The retail giant said it will reimburse customers who bought the “Five Spice” donkey meat as it works with local and federal authorities to investigate its Chinese supplier.
"We are deeply sorry for this whole affair," said Wal-Mart's China president and CEO, Greg Foran. "It is a deep lesson (for us) that we need to continue to increase investment in supplier management."
Industry experts said fox meat has a wild taste and smell that is very different to the more expensive donkey meat.
Also on Thursday (Jan. 2) Wal-Mart issued a recall of approximately 73,400 Mainstay padded folding table and chair sets after safety concerns were raised. The retailer said the chairs can unexpectedly collapse, posing a fall hazard and injury.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday that Wal-Mart has received 10 reports of injuries, including one finger amputation, three fingertip amputations, sprained or fractured fingers and one report of a sore back.
The recall includes the Mainstays card table sets with a black padded metal folding table and four black padded metal folding chairs. "Made by: Dongguan Shin Din Metal & Plastic Products Co," the company that made the chair cushions, is printed on a white label on the bottom of the chairs.
The sets were sold at Wal-Mart stores across the U.S. and on its website from May 2013 through November 2013 for about $50.
Consumers should immediately stop using the set and return it to Wal-Mart for a full refund. Individuals may contact the retailer at 800-925-6278.