Multiples asked to check out fresh cut supply systems for cow beef.

The National Beef Association has written to the four largest supermarkets pointing out industry fears that cow beef is being diverted into fresh retail cuts other than mince - which creates a danger that some consumers will be put off making future purchases because quality consistency, particularly with tenderness, is jeopardised.

 In its letter the Association says that information put before it suggests that more cows than was the case last year are being purchased by processors who supply the major multiples – which raises the possibility that cow beef is being used for more than 85 per cent VL (visual lean) mince on fresh meat counters.

“We have made it clear we are not singling out any individual supermarket group and that our approach is based on the preservation of safeguards,” explained NBA chairman, Duff Burrell.

“However processors who buy cows to supply the export market are complaining that current beef cow prices are £30 a head too high for them to meet their margins which suggests that some purchases are being driven by increased domestic retail uptake.”

“And the relative values of good beef cows compared with the standard supermarket R4L bullock are also closing up even though the standard view is that the differentials would be wider if fresh retail purchases were confined to cow beef for mince.”

 “Bearing in mind that cow beef was absent from the UK market for ten years up to November 3rd 2005 it is possible that many line managers employed by supermarket suppliers are not familiar with it and may not recognise cow fillet, sirloin, silverside or topside should it be coming through to them. “If this is the case we have said it would be prudent for supermarket fresh beef specialists check, at as many levels as are considered necessary, that prime beef cuts are not being substituted by cow beef and the popularity of fresh beef with consumers is not being jeopardised by cow beef’s potential for greater toughness and the need to cook it for longer.”

According to the NBA current feeling in several sections of the supply trade is that processors specialising in cows, which includes the primary suppliers of many multiples, have been careful to use it only for mince – but there have been signs that some are chaffing at this prudence - which raises the possibility of greater cow beef substitution of fresh cuts from prime cattle used to supply the lower retail price ranges.

 “If there is a basis to the Association’s observation then some cow beef is being promoted as prime beef and it is even possible that non-assured cows are entering the supply chain because volumes required are greater than the supply of assured animals,” said Mr Burrell.

“However if we are wrong the supermarkets will have done themselves, and the industry, no harm by checking out their supply systems. We would like them to do this because it is far better to feel safe than sorry.”

For more information contact:

Duff Burrell, NBA chairman. Tel. 07764 409027