Meat being pumped out of a mincer
FOOD
‘ There are 53 approved premises in Ealing – the second highest number in London , and the joint sixth highest in the UK , which shows just how busy the council ’ s food team is .‘
Above and below : Mario of Limpopo Butchers in the shop .
Amongst these are what are called ‘ approved premises ’ – companies handling , preparing or producing products of animal origin on a large scale , and often specialists in their field . In Ealing these could include manufacturers of anything from sushi to African-style beef . They have to be approved to be able to operate – and this approval can be suspended or removed if they do not meet strict standards .
There are 53 approved premises in Ealing – the second highest number in London , and the joint sixth highest in the UK , which shows just how busy the council ’ s food team is .
FROM AFRICA TO ACTON One of these approved firms is Acton speciality butcher , Limpopo Butchers . It produces meat products to sell to wholesalers but also sells its products in a shop in Horn Lane ( and also online ). It sells a variety of South African meat specialities , including Boerewors sausages and a delicacy called biltong . Biltong is marinated , seasoned and air-dried and is one of the South Africa ’ s best known foodstuffs .
Sebastian , operations manager of Limpopo Butchers , said : “ We source premium , grass-fed beef from the UK and everything from there is done inhouse from start to finish .
“ We have a good relationship with the council , and we are in constant contact – it is always open to take my calls when I want to check something . The council is always more than helpful . It could be we have new systems in place or we are making a change to the building and they will always guide us and provide constructive advice on how we can make sure we do everything correctly . By making the council aware of any changes we are planning it means they can help make sure we get things right first time . It is a partnership that has worked very well .”
For more information on Limpopo Butchers and what it has to offer , go to www . limpopobiltong . com or visit the shop in Horn Lane .
What ’ s the score ?
It is easy to check how safe a food business is . Go to www . food . gov . uk / ratings and search by the name or address for the most recent hygiene rating . All food businesses can be checked including shops , takeaways , restaurants , school kitchens , bakeries and caterers . Anyone with concerns regarding a food business should contact the council on 020 8825 6666 or email foodsafety @ ealing . gov . uk
around ealing Spring 2017 19