Sainsbury’s makes another big change after meat packaging outrage

SAINSBURY'S has made another big change following customer outrage over new meat packaging.

It comes after the supermarket changed the way it packages beef mince to reduce the amount of plastic used by 55%.

In February, all 600 Sainsbury's stores switched to vacuum-packed beef, including all orders online for delivery and click and collect.

But, shoppers have slammed the change complaining that now the meat sticks together in a lump.

In response to the backlash, the supermarket has now placed printed leaflets nearby to the meat on shelves to explain the changes.

They say: "New minced beef packaging. Same quality product. So, our new packaging looks pretty different.

"But if it's using 55% less plastic, saving over 450 tonnes a year, we say it's a sight to behold."

The change has sparked a backlash and complaints from customers.

In a review on the Sainsbury's website, one customer said that it was "not mince at all now" and that it "comes apart in lumps".

Another complained: "Its a sticky lump of goo, all the texture gone in the vacuum. "

A third chimed in: "The new packaging is inappropriate for a freeflow minced beef product.

"The product has now been destroyed and is now a slab of compressed meat."

One said that the vacuum-packing "changed the texture of the mince meat into a paté type mush" and another branded it "revolting".

Sainsbury's beef mince used to be packaged in a plastic tray with a film lid that allowed the meat to move around.

The amount of meat in the new-style packaging is unchanged and it currently costs £2.49 for a 20% fat 500g pack.

Sainsbury's also announced on Monday that it has made another major change to the packaging of other meat products.

This time the grocery giant has removed single-use plastic trays from its whole chicken range.

The new packaging will use 50% less plastic and save 140 tonnes of it a year, according to the supermarket.

That means the birds will only be covered in recyclable film.

It affects all five products in the range, which includes Sainsbury’s British Fresh Whole chicken in extra small (0.9-1.35kg), medium (1.6kg), large (1.9kg) and extra large (2.1kg).

Prices range from £3.54 for the extra small chicken to £6 for extra large.

All 600 Sainsbury's stores, plus online orders for delivery and click and collect, have implemented the change.

In 2019, Sainsbury's removed plastic bags on fruit and veg in stores.

A reusable drawstring bag now costs 30p, and if you don't want one, you need to bring your own container.

More recently, the supermarket giant joined other major stores by removing plastic lids on bottle cartons.

It confirmed that it had gradually been rolling our clear milk bottle tips for semi-skimmed milk since October.

The retailer confirmed it is planning to make the change across its entire milk supply this year.