Fat Content and Authenticity of Minced Beef 2008

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. Regulation (EC) No 2076/2005 sets out compositional criteria and labelling requirements for minced meats sold under very specific designations, however there is an exemption for minced meats produced and consumed nationally.

The purpose of the survey was 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, comparing 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.

- Determine whether meat species other than beef were present.

- Determine whether added water and/or carbohydrates were present.

- Determine, based on the results obtained for the sample submitted, whether consumers are being mislead by the descriptions applied to such minced beef products.

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