OFFICIAL STATEMENT TO THE TEST OF SPIŠ FRANKFURTERS TAURIS

Press release

TAURIS asks for explanation: Test of Spiš frankfurters has disputed points

Slovak leader in the production of Spiš frankfurters, does not use the colorant E120 in its frankfurters, which is according to the consumer association, at all.

The comparative test published by the Association of Consumers in the Slovak Republic contains several uncertainties that may be damaging the reputation of the most successful Slovak producer of these traditional delicacies – Spiš frankfurters.

Although the association of any of the producers concerned did not inform with the full content of the laboratory tests, the published information immediately reveals several incorrect conclusions.

State Veterinary and Food institute Laboratory in Bratislava for example, was supposed to test the content of pure muscle protein, fat, the presence of soy, salts and colorants, the quality of the sheep´s casing, packaging declaration and sensory. Among the poorly rated products, the laboratory also mentioned the product of TAURIS.

"It is our duty and interest to provide our customers with comprehensive and truthful information., us, We, as a Slovak producer investing a lot in quality, are very sorry for the situation with the negative test result. We have strict procedures in TAURIS, and our company strictly adheres to the relevant European standard (COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 509/2006 "SPIŠSKÉ PÁRKY"), which also proved the tests in question, "said the Chairman of the Board of TAURIS, Vladimir Ševčík.

Nevertheless, TAURIS Spiš frankfurters have been included in a product group that "did not meet the quality standards". The results of the consumer test appear to be at least strange at the point where they compare the colorants content. The colorant E120 known as "cochineal" does TAURIS not use in the production of Spiš frankfurters at all.

In connection with the mediated test, the company also recalls that in all measured basic quality parameters of Spiš frankfurters TAURIS have been in line with all prescribed values:
1. Content of pure muscle protein 10% which directly declares compliance with the standard in the quantity of meat used – observed
2. Sheep casing - observed
3. Fat content 24% / deviation 4% / - observed
4. Absence of soy - observed
5. Salt content - observed
6. Sensory - no comments
7. Declaration on the packaging - the percentage labeling of the meat content on the packaging is in line with the EP - COUNCIL (EU) Regulations - 1169/2011
8. Testing for the presence of colorants that have been proven by the E120 colorant known as 'cochineal' - TAURIS does not use this colorant in the production of Spiš frankfurters at all

"As a reputable producer, we are interested in the methodology of the test in question, because its results do not correspond to our qualitative procedures and we consider them to be damaging," added Chairman of the Board of TAURIS Group, Vladimír Ševčík, saying that if the laboratory test method won´t be publicly available, or by notary-verified notation, is the claim of the use of this colorant in Spiš frankfurters incorrect and can be understood as damaging the good name of the frankfurters market leader.

TAURIS also has premium frankfurters in addition to traditional Spiš frankfurters as well, according to old Spiš recipe under ZIPSER brand. The popularity of this product line is growing and ZIPSER frankfurters are today the most successful frankfurters in Slovakia.

In Rimavska Sobota, December 5, 2017