Horse meat is a delicacy in France. American Indians preferred it over cow meat. It really is interesting how it is viewed in different societies.
What the consumer in Europe does not know (or perhaps doesn't care?) is that racehorses are given all kinds of substances that should not be in food animals. Racehorses are routinely given Phenylbutazone which is a known carcinogen in humans. They are also given powerful steroids as part of their training and development and to help recover from injuries. In fact, most of the topical and internal treatments for horses carry this warning "NOT FOR USE IN FOOD ANIMALS."
More information is available on this site:
http://www.vetsforequinewelfare.org/medications.phpHowever, since horse meat is not officially for sale in the U.S. the FDA does not preside over the export of horses for slaughter. The USDA says its not within their jurisdiction to supervise. The foreign countries only require someone to sign a certificate that indicates they have no knowledge that banned substances have been given, and the forms are then signed by the slaughter plant operators.
Separate from the human safety issue, it is just sad to think that an animal can be raised to trust people, and perform to its utmost, and when that animal is used up after giving it's all, it is dispatched in a cruel and heartless fashion.
The sentiment is summed up in this tale which is typical of a Thoroughbred sent to slaughter:
http://www.excellerfund.org/articles/perhaps-you-know-joe.html