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Balham butcher defends industry by celebrating Great British Beef Week

Summary:

The annual event is held across the country.

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By Rhodri Andrews and Nick Jukhoop

After the horse meat scandal plagued supermarkets around the country, it’s time to remind ourselves about what we do well as South West London celebrates Great British Beef Week.

Great British Beef Week is an annual celebration of the british beef industry and is timed to coincide with St George’s Day (April 23) each year.

It is supported both at a local level, with regional events, and nationally with the backing of the nation’s biggest supermarket retailers.

Gary Chadwicks, owner of Chadwicks Butcher in Balham, said: “This is something that we have always done anyway but it’s great to see British beef being promoted.”

This is especially encouraging in light of the problems encountered in British farming over the years including the recent horse meat scandal.

“It has often saddened me to see our industry dragged through the mud and that people in a powerful position would do this to our trade,” he added.

“We don’t do it for money. We do it for love. I have been through BSE, HN51 and now the horse meat scandal.

“We pride ourselves on sourcing meat that focuses on animal welfare and small farm holdings.”

Great British Beef Week was set up by ‘Ladies in Beef’, a group of female beef farmers who are passionate about their product.

Started three years ago by Minette Batters and Jilly Greed, the group now has members across the country.

Ms Greed said: “Great British Beef Week couldn’t come at a better time.

“Consumer confidence has been shaken recently.

“But we hope shoppers will realise the best way to ensure the beef they buy is British is to look for the Red Tractor logo on the label.

“You can’t buy, or taste, better.”

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