Claims on lean meat may be load of mince

SO-called "lean" mince sold in supermarkets can contain up to 25 per cent fat, more than the standard alternative, according to a study.

Consumers are being let down by misleading and inaccurate labelling, some of which massively understates the true amount of fat, the research by Local Government Regulation (LG Regulation) found.

There was "encouraging" evidence that the overall average fat content of minced beef had fallen from 15.7 per cent six years ago to 12.3 per cent now.

However, the fat and gristle content of some minced beef varied to such an extent between retailers that consumers faced an impossible task understanding what they were buying, with some "lean" or "extra lean" products proving more fatty than standard mince.

Environmental health and trading standards officers analysed minced beef products from nine supermarket chains.