The Food Labelling Regulations 1996

Non-Prepacked Mince Meat

• What types of food are covered by this fact sheet?
• Should it be labelled?
• What is the name of the food? Can I call it 'mince'?
• Where should the label be placed?
• How much fat can minced meat contain?
• Can I add other ingredients?
• What happens if the product or labels are not correct - will I commit an offence?

What types of food are covered by this fact sheet?

All raw meat which has been minced but not shaped, which is sold loose. (If it has been shaped it may be covered by other regulations.)

Should it be labelled?

Yes. It must be marked as follows:-

1. Name of the food
2. With a declaration of any of the following additives contained in the product - antioxidant, sweetener, colour, flavour enhancer, flavouring. (Preservatives are not permitted in fresh meat.)

What is the name of the food? Can I call it 'mince'?

The Food Labelling regulations require that the name of the food is precise, that it indicates the true nature of the food and enables the food to be distinguished from other similar foods with which it could be confused.

The name needs to show what has been put into the minced meat at the time of preparation eg minced beef with beef heart, minced beef and pork.

'Mince' or 'minced meat' can only be used unqualified if they refer to minced beef. They cannot be used for mixtures of minced meat.

Where should the label be placed?

The regulations state that the particulars which need to be marked shall be on a label attached to the food or on a notice or ticket displayed next to the food.

How much fat can minced meat contain?

The regulations do not set a maximum fat content. The unofficially accepted maximum fat content is taken to be 25% for "ordinary" mince, 15% for "lean" mince and 10% for "extra lean" mince. An acceptable fat content will also be dependent on any description of the product, the price and the expectations of the purchaser.

Can I add other ingredients?

Adding other ingredients (eg TVP, soya, water etc) to raw minced meat will mean that it becomes a meat product which is covered by specific meat product regulations. These regulations require declaration of meat content and added water content in addition to the name of the food and additives.

What happens if the product or labels are not correct - will I commit an offence?

Yes. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to £5,000 for each contravention.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Trading Standards Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 8355
0161 342 2288