Minced Beef Survey 2002

As a result of a survey of minced beef undertaken in the latter part of 2001 by the London Food Co-ordinating Group (LFCG) in which 221 samples of minced beef were analysed, it was decided to extend this nationwide to Eurofins Local Authority Clients. The (LFCG) is a body which co-ordinates food enforcement and surveillance activities across London . The Group comprises of four autonomous food liaison groups (Sectors), which are formed on a geographical basis. Each sector comprises of representatives from member London Boroughs, Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS), Public Analyst and Consultant Medical Microbiologist. The LFCG kindly agreed to their data being pooled with the additional data generated in this survey.

The survey included the chemical and histological examination of minced beef in order to assess the current fat content of minced beef and minced beefs qualified by names such as 'lean' and 'extra lean'.

Although the Minced Meat and Meat Preparations (Hygiene) Regulations 1995 do prescribe maximum average fat contents for highly specific descriptions of minced beef they do not apply to minced meat prepared on the premises for direct sale to the final consumer.

Histological examination of the mince was undertaken due to the current concerns over Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and the legal requirements to remove all specified risk material. In addition meat species tests were undertaken and the results compared with the procedures that were stated to be in place to avoid contamination. The LFCG survey had shown that there was a particular problem in relation to foreign species being present in mince purchased from traditional butchers premises.

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