The Public Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Corruption Crimes asked to expand the investigation after the alleged use of horse meat in the Qali Warma Program. This request arose after the report by Cuarto Poder, which denounced a supplier company for delivering canned horse meat instead of beef.
The attorney general’s office presented this request to the First Corporate Provincial Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Corruption Crimes of Officials of Lima, where they request that various investigative procedures be carried out.
Likewise, it was reported that Qali Warma officials, along with representatives of the supplier company, could be involved in a bribery and fraud scheme, in order to cover up said irregularities.
The Attorney General’s Office also sees the need to expand the investigations to determine the criminal responsibilities of those involved.
If irregularities are confirmed, those responsible will not only face criminal sanctions, but also the obligation to compensate the State through the payment of civil reparation.
Midis suspends Don Simón preserves after complaint of use of horse meat in Qali Warma
The Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion (Midis) announced the suspension of the distribution of Don Simón preserves after the Cuarto Poder program revealed irregularities in the food supply of the Qali Warma program.
According to the report, the supplier company Frigoinca would have delivered canned goods labeled as beef that, in reality, contained horse meat. This product would have been distributed to students in communities far from Puno and other regions of the country, generating indignation and concern among citizens.
In response, Midis reported that it will expand its complaint against Frigoinca, in order to determine the criminal responsibility of its representatives.
Through a statement, the entity reaffirmed its commitment to the quality and safety of the food service, ensuring that any act that puts the health of the beneficiaries at risk will be severely sanctioned.
The Cuarto Poder report included the testimony of Noemí Alvarado Llanos, a former Frigoinca official, who revealed that the company labeled canned meat as beef that actually contained horse meat. The current witness in the investigation also pointed out that employees of the social program had received bribes not to report this situation.
Given the seriousness of the events, Midis indicated that since October 7, the release, distribution and consumption of all Don Simón preserves in social programs was suspended. In addition, he promised to actively collaborate with the investigations of the Public Ministry to clarify the facts and determine responsibilities.
Regarding Víctor Salazar Cóndo, mentioned in the report, Midis clarified that he has not worked at Qali Warma since December 2022, but stated that the relevant administrative and legal actions will be initiated.
