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Mince beef
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St Helens Council's Trading Standards officers carried out a survey into the fat content and authenticity of minced beef.
The results revealed that residents might be getting more than just beef when they order minced beef and similar beef products.
During the month of August 2006, seven samples of minced beef and similar products were taken from premises across the borough.
The results showed that five out of the seven samples had other meat species present in addition to beef, including pork, poultry and sheep.
The samples consisted of four Minced Beef, a Best Minced Beef Steak, a Minced Steak, and a Lean Minced Beef.
The samples were then submitted to a public analyst to discover the amount of fat in them and the species of meat that they contained.
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 UK.
However, the courts have accepted a presumptive maximum limit of 25% fat for standard quality minced beef.
All of the samples submitted for analysis were judged to be satisfactory in terms of the fat content.
The apparent meat content for all of the seven samples was close to 100%, and the highest fat content per 100 g was found to be 14.6 grams.
A council spokesman said: “It is important for those who suffer an allergy or intolerance to certain meat species or those with religious beliefs affecting what meat species/types can and cannot be consumed to be aware of this survey so that they can make informed and educated purchases.”
