Scientific evidence proves mechanically butchered meat ‘is meat’

Microscopy performed by Leatherhead Food Research was pivotal to the recent case which ruled in favour of meat processor Newby Foods. Leatherhead was called to act as an expert witness, being the UK’s only UKAS accredited laboratory for muscle fibre structure analysis to determine the quality of mechanically separated meat.

Leatherhead’s analysis demonstrated that the muscle fibre structure of chicken and pork harvested via Newby Foods’ unique process was consistent with ‘fresh meat’. This led the judge to conclude that the meat was not mechanically separated meat, enabling it to contribute to the labelled meat content of end products.

The performance of butchery machines is improving, and in some cases this enables residual meat to be harvested with little damage to the muscle structure. Such developments play a vital role in the food industry, enhancing cost-effectiveness, reducing food waste and safeguarding the environment which is fundamental to European Legislation.

Newby Foods’ Managing Director Graham Bishop says: “The ‘Leatherhead method’ of analysis was directly referred to by Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart in the final ruling. It proved beyond doubt that our meat has the properties of standard fresh meat, not mechanically separated meat.”

Head of Microscopy at Leatherhead Food Research, Professor Kathy Groves, handled the Newby Foods project. She explains: “Our evaluation of Newby Foods’ samples involved detailed microstructural analysis. In all cases, the muscle fibre structures were almost completely intact, just as you would expect to see with fresh meat. The technique we used could enhance food manufacturers’ incoming quality inspections for products where the inclusion of mechanically butchered meat is acceptable, but mechanically separated meat is not.”

The Newby Foods case underlines the complexity of contemporary meat processing and classification. Food manufacturers need to consider many conflicting factors when developing meat products. To help the industry navigate these intricacies, Leatherhead has launched a White Paper: How much meat is in your sausage? Giving practical guidance on how manufacturers can balance regulatory requirements, cost implications and the consumer sensory experience.

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Melissa Shone
Director of Marketing, Science Group plc
T: +44 1223 875205
E: [email protected]