The watchdog found that of 26 samples of mincemeat bought from butchers in Greater Lisbon, Setubal and Greater Oporto, 23 contained potentially dangerous and legally-banned sulphite additives, added to preserve the colour of the meat and which can cause allergic reactions.
While up to 0.45 grams per kilo of sulphites can be used in the preparation of some meats, such as sausages, it is forbidden to use them in ground meat.
All bar two of the samples purchased – these being mincemeat bought from meat counters in Pingo Doce and Intermarché stores in Setubal – contained the additives.
Some of the samples, DECO claims in its report, contained levels of the additives that were “incredibly high”, in some cases reaching 4.27g/kg, and which could be dangerous to those with allergies to the substance.
“Traders who illegally use sulphites, and in a concealed way, continue to do so with impunity”, the watchdog stressed.
However, Portugal’s health and safety agency ASAE has said that the sulphites found in mincemeat from the meat counters tested by the consumer rights watchdog are allowed.
ASAE has contradicted DECO’s view that the substance could potentially be dangerous, saying sulphites can be used as they are food additives approved for use as conservatives.
Meanwhile, DECO’s investigation further found that in many cases the meat was being kept in shops at temperatures above those established by law.
On average the meat was being stored at temperatures of nine degrees Celsius, when the law states it should be kept at a maximum temperature of two degrees Celsius.
All of the 26 establishments failed to comply with hygiene and conservation standards, prompting the watchdog to go as far as advising its readers: “Do not buy ready-minced meat.”
DECO instead recommends that shoppers first choose their cut of beef then ask for it to be minced.
A study carried out by DECO two years ago on 34 butchers found similarly “alarming” results.
“Since the last study in 2013, nothing has changed, not even in the 12 butchers re-evaluated. The disastrous results of the study of pre-minced meat lead DECO to discourage its purchase”, the watchdog said in its report, concluding: “Inspections must be more frequent and comprehensive, by a more active Food and EconomicSafety Authority. We also hope that the State Secretary for Food bans the sale of pre-minced meat.”