What they meaning by “alternatives” is horse meat. Could it be that since Europe is no longer buying the numbers of horses for meat that once were that Mexico now has a surplus? Let us know your thoughts – on Facebook and Twitter! ~ HfH

From: KRGV

CALLEN –
Beef prices are at an all-time in Reynosa, Mexico. The concern prompted a livestock association to find other alternatives for consumers. They think horse meat could be the answer.

Gildardo Lopez, president of Reynosa Livestock Association, said studies showed that horse meat is cheaper than beef. He said Mexican consumers pay up to $13 for two pounds of beef, compared to the $7 they would spend on horse meat.

“We’re trying to focus on helping the low to middle class citizens,” Lopez said. “The high prices of beef increased significantly. In the world market it went up about 300 percent. Our alternative is to sacrifice horses for human consumption.”

Lopez said horses between the ages of 3 to 5 will be target for human consumption. The first animal will be prepared at a local slaughter house on Wednesday.

On Friday, the livestock association will invite the public to a Reynosa meat market, where they will offer a variety of dishes for consumers to try for free. They will also provide nutritional information.

“Studies show horse meat is nutritious,” Lopez said. “It doesn’t have grease. It’s low in cholesterol. It’s high in protein and rich in iron and other vitamins.”

Officials said it will likely take a while before local residents buy in on the concept of consuming horse meat.

The process of educating the public will be essential.