But, in fact, most of the meat that is reared in France is not eaten there, but exported to Italy - the Italians (who actually eat more than twice as much horsemeat as the French) like young horses.

BBC: Paris chefs kick-start a horsemeat gastro-trend

The FSA also ordered an audit of all horse-producing abattoirs in the UK. There are five abattoirs operating that are licensed to slaughter horses in the UK and last year 8, 500 carcasses were exported to Italy, France and Belgium.

BBC: Horsemeat scandal: PM says criminals will face law

Five years ago he exported many cattle to Italy, and he hopes the ending of the ban will enable him, and the industry as a whole to re-establish such trade routes.

BBC: Farmers cheer beef boost