The Food Standards Agency’s recent report has highlighted concerning results regarding the compliance of burgers, chicken, and premixed cocktail drinks with food regulations. Shockingly, over 40% of the burgers and chicken tested did not meet the required standards. Chicken samples were found to have excess water added, while burgers had less meat content and higher fat levels than indicated on the packaging.
Additionally, the report revealed that one in ten premixed cans of spirits or cocktails had lower alcohol levels than declared on the label. The survey, conducted from July 2023 to January 2024, tested 1025 products from national supermarkets, independent retailers, and online sources. Samples were checked for allergens, contaminants, adulteration, inaccurate composition, and incorrect labelling.
While the majority of tested food was deemed safe and authentic, the results raised concerns about certain meat products. For instance, 40% of frozen raw chicken samples and 42% of frozen beef burgers were found to be non-compliant due to various issues such as excess water, incorrect labelling, and inaccurate composition.
In response to these findings, the National Food Crime Unit has alerted the industry, and further tests are being planned to ensure vigilance. Professor Rick Mumford from the Food Standards Agency emphasised the importance of such surveys in identifying risks and guiding resources towards areas of concern.
The report serves as a crucial tool for Local Authorities to safeguard consumers by addressing non-compliance issues promptly. Despite the challenges identified in the survey, it is essential to note that the results do not reflect the overall food safety standards in the UK but rather aid authorities in prioritising their regulatory efforts.