NSA expresses disappointment at lack of transparency in takeaway food sector
17th April 2014
The National Sheep Association (NSA) is hugely disappointed by the news that 43 out of 145 meat samples from lamb takeaways recently tested by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) were not in fact lamb.
NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “We are really disappointed that this is still going on and lessons haven’t been learnt from the horsemeat scandal. Transparency and honest labelling that people can trust is absolutely essential and NSA is pleased the FSA and local authorities will be is taking additional action to stamp out malpractice.
“Sheep farmers work exceptionally hard to do the job right and turn out a high quality and traceable product; they are subject to strict animal identification laws and onerous inspection regimes, and many voluntarily participate in additional assurance schemes too. This news is a slap in the face to a sheep sector that puts in so much effort. We have been let down by individuals further up the food chain who are not showing respect for the honesty, traceability and high value of the work sheep farmers do.”
Beef, chicken and turkey were found in the 43 non-lamb samples, but no horsemeat. The FSA has asked local authorities to test 300 samples of lamb from takeaways from the beginning of May, with the threat of a £5,000 fine for takeaway owners who are found to be mislabelling food.
Notes to editors:-
- For further information please contact Joanne Briggs, NSA Communications Manager, on 07807 237982 or joanne@nationalsheep.org.uk.
- The National Sheep Association is an organisation that represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. It is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry. More at www.nationalsheep.org.uk and www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk.
