If you are planning to order a takeaway this weekend, a new report might encourage you to opt for a meat-free option. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning that more than a quarter of UK takeaways are using the wrong meat products in their dishes.
In response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the FSA released data from DNA tests conducted on food sold across the UK. Of 263 samples tested by the FSA, a staggering 73 were deemed unsatisfactory because they contained undeclared species.
Additionally, tests carried out by local authorities revealed that almost one in five products contained the wrong meat. For instance, Merguez Moroccan Spicy Sausages were found to contain 13 per cent pig DNA, while Beef Pepperoni was revealed to be 73.2 per cent chicken.
FSA and Local Authority Findings
Andrew Quinn, Head of the National Food Crime Unit at the FSA, stated: 'Food must be safe and accurately labelled, wherever it's sold, and we take food fraud and mislabelling seriously.' However, he noted that 'these sampling initiatives are targeted and therefore their results are not representative of overall food safety and standards in the UK, which remain high.'
For the FSA's own tests, samples were taken from 263 food items and their DNA profiles were analysed. 'Of the 263 samples, 73 were unsatisfactory due to containing undeclared species and five were inconclusive,' the FSA explained. 'Of the 73 samples that contained undeclared species, 47 were reported quantitatively, showing the amount of undeclared species present.'
Many products expected to contain goat actually contained undeclared sheep. Lincolnshire Sausages, expected to be made from pork, were found to contain five per cent cow DNA, while Gourmet Lamb Burgers had 18 per cent pig DNA. Minty Lamb Burgers were found to be 50 per cent cow.
Local Authority Testing
As part of the FOI request, the FSA also disclosed results from local authority testing. Of 66 samples tested, 12 were unsatisfactory and four were inconclusive, as no details of the expected species were provided. Chicken Pepperoni was found to contain 14.5 per cent cow DNA, and Halal Turkey Julienne was 23.3 per cent chicken.
Some of the most notable cases include:
- Lamb Rogan Josh: 60-100% cow DNA
- Lamb Madras: 60-100% cow DNA
- Lamb Doner Meat: 50% chicken DNA
- Chicken Pepperoni: 14.5% cow DNA
- Halal Pepperoni Beef: 73.2% chicken DNA
A Lamb Rogan Josh was found to be 60-100 per cent cow, while Lamb Doner Meat was more than 50 per cent chicken. Chicken Pepperoni contained 14.5 per cent cow, and Halal Turkey Julienne was 23.3 per cent chicken.
Wales Testing and Consumer Advice
The FSA in Wales tested four samples of Lamb Bhuna and 14 samples of Hawaiian Pizza from several unnamed takeaways. 'Of these samples, 13 of the Hawaiian pizzas were unsatisfactory due to the DNA of undeclared species being present,' the FSA said.
In the UK, food must be safe and accurately labelled wherever it is sold, the FSA emphasises. 'If consumers have concerns about any product, they should contact their local authority,' Mr Quinn advised. 'Anyone who suspects food fraud can also report it to Food Crime Confidential at food.gov.uk/report or by calling 0800 028 1180.'
This news follows recent warnings that fraudsters are using AI to trick Deliveroo and other takeaway providers into giving refunds by pretending their meals are undercooked. Lawyers say people are becoming more sophisticated in using digital-altered photos to fabricate claims to companies such as Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo. Caroline Green, co-head of retail and supply chain at Browne Jacobson, warned that making fake claims is a crime and those who get away with it once are likely to continue.
