Analytical Report - Fresh/frozen meat

Twenty samples of fresh meat were taken from independent butchers and a supermarket to determine whether they had previously been frozen. The samples consisted of a range of species e.g. pork, chicken and beef and a variety of cuts e.g. chops, breast fillets, diced portions and steaks.

Selling thawed frozen meat or poultry as chilled is not a food safety hazard provided with all meat and poultry it is sufficiently cooked before eating. However where food has been subject to a process such as freezing and thawing it should be labelled as such. It is known that meat and poultry may be frozen at some point during the food supply chain and then subsequently thawed so it can be sold as fresh thereby achieving a higher price.

Such practices may also be used for unsold stock as it nears its use by date. However sale of such food may be an offence where it is then sold beyond the use by date after thawing.

Summary of Results

All the samples were satisfactory in that analysis did not indicate that any had been previously frozen.

Report Date: April 2006