Survey of the Fat Content and Authenticity of Minced Beef 2006

There are currently no statutory maximum limits for the fat content of minced beef, lean minced beef or minced beef described as 'Super Lean' or 'Extra Lean' on retail sale in the United Kingdom. The Association of Public Analysts has published rational guidelines for the maximum fat content of minced beef so described. Additionally, Courts have accepted a presumptive maximum limit of 25% fat for standard quality minced beef.

The European Commission is understood to be undertaking a consultation to come up with some more appropriate guidelines for the fat content of mince. It would appear that they are having little success persuading industry to comply with their proposals.

There is substantial evidence that reducing the amount of saturated fats (including beef fat) eaten can lower the chances of developing coronary heart disease. Consumers wishing to make healthier food choices should be able to do so with confidence on the basis of descriptions applied to minced beef. The application of any misleading description to a food is, of course, contrary to section 15 of the Food Safety Act (article 14 of the Food Safety (NI) Order). Consumers are also entitled to expect that 'Minced beef' is free from detectable levels of foreign (non-bovine) meats.

The survey aimed to determine the fat content of minced beef, lean minced beef, very lean minced beef or similarly named products labelled as having been derived from beef alone, and to compare the results obtained with the established presumptive standard for 'standard' quality minced beef, and with the recommendations of the A.P.A. for other, leaner, qualities.

It also determined whether meat species other than beef were present, whether added water and/or carbohydrates were present and, based on the results obtained for the sample submitted, whether consumers were being mislead by the descriptions applied to such minced beef products.

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