The Saudi Food and Drug Authority is set to take a number of global meat companies off the Kingdom’s list of suppliers in the wake of a horse meat scandal in Europe.

“The authority is currently testing samples of meat products imported from Europe,” the official said.

The Kingdom imports meat from a limited number of states and international companies, which makes it easier to address the issue. “A report will be issued soon to brief citizens on details of the case,” said the official.

He said Islamic law allows Muslims to eat horsemeat, but this situation involved fraud. He said the Saudi government would take any action necessary to protect citizens and consumers.