Consumers turn to traditional butchers over horse meat fears
TRADITIONAL butchers in the Petersfield area have reaped the benefit of consumers’ worries about the quality of meat following the discovery of contamination of processed food with horse meat.
The long-established family butcher in Lavant Street, Petersfield, Morgans (pictured), has seen an upturn in business with a number of new customers.
A spokesman said: “We have had a lot more business in the last few weeks.
“Customers appreciate that we are not here for a fast buck and they can see the quality of what we supply coupled with the individual service we offer.”
Nick Harriott, of Harriott Butchers, West Meon, said he had noticed a change in the atmosphere in the shop with more younger customers coming in and asking about the source of meat and other products, such as sausages and burgers, which are made on the premises.
“The deceit is very sad and hygiene standards is another problem but it has been good for smaller retailers with the public’s lack of confidence.”
It was the same story at Rogate-based Rother Valley Organics where manager Sam Gaunt said they had enjoyed an upturn in inquiries from potential suppliers to events.
“Farmers’ markets were also extra busy.
“Our meatballs can literally be traced back to the field where the animals which produced the meat grazed.”
Hampshire and West Sussex county councils have issued statements reassuring parents that school meals are free of horse meat.
A spokesman for Vestey Food Service, which sends out rations for the Services from the former DBC depot in Bedford Road, Petersfield, did not wish to comment on the issue.
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Weather for Petersfield
Monday 20 May 2013
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Temperature: 13 C to 18 C
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