An independent butcher in Burnham-On-Sea says he has seen a jump in trade as the horsemeat labelling scandal sees shoppers seeking locally-produced food.
Ian Keane, owner of Truckles Farm Shop in Burnham High Street, told Burnham-On-Sea.com that customers are increasingly worried about the contents of supermarket food.
“The horse meat scandal has been a big talking point for shoppers in Burnham this week,” he said. “People have been coming into the shop airing their concerns and saying that it reinforces their decision to buy locally-reared meat.”
“We have seen a number of new faces in recent days. Many people trusted the supermarkets but that’s been drawn into question by this labelling scandal where horsemeat is being passed off as beef in certain processed foods.”
Ian added: “Independent butchers like ourselves only sell locally-produced food that can be trusted and traceable to local farms.”
The comments come after a nationwide poll of 6,221 people this week by consultancy firm Kantar found that many shoppers intend to buy more locally sourced meat. The National Federation of Meat & Food Traders added there is “definite evidence” consumers are looking for alternative supplies.
Meamwhile, supermarkets in Burnham and Highbridge have removed products such as Findus Lasange from their shelves over the past week as the investigation into the labelling continues.
