Fears are mounting that the next horse meat scandal is just around the corner, as big supermarkets may soon be allowed to avoid inspections from Government officers.

Under money-saving plans being devised by cash-strapped food safety watchdogs, "trusted" retailers will be given special permission to police themselves.

The move comes after major cuts to the Food Standards Authority's budget meant it could no longer cope.

It is being described by experts as the most scandalous Government decision on food safety in recent history.