Meat is traceable

The authority issued a statement this week amid growing public concern about the traceability of meat.

A multi-agency investigation has been launched by after products labelled as beef and sold in UK supermarkets were found to contain up to 100 per cent horsemeat.

But Notts County Council said it had all the necessary safeguards in place to trace where the meat it buys comes from.

A spokesman said it was ‘confident’ its suppliers were taking ‘all necessary action’ in response to the current situation.

The council uses Maloney’s butchers in Tuxford for most of its fresh meat and catering supplier Brakes for a small number of selected lines.

The meat is used in school meals, meals at home, and county buildings, food dished up at council day centres and residential homes as well as food outlets at the council’s country parks.

“Our two meat suppliers have rigorous manufacturing processes and specifications in place to meet product standards and prevent any cross-contamination,” said Notts County Council procurement group manager Steve Carter.

“Our robust procurement contracts also ensure that there are strict controls on where ingredients are purchased.”