Visibly deteriorating goat meat, venison past its use-by date and waste meat overflowing from the bin led to the popular Isle of Wight farm shop ‘Farmer Jacks’ being slapped with a ‘disappointing’ 1 food hygiene rating.
Following a visit by the Isle of Wight Council earlier this year, Farmer Jacks at Arreton was given a rather poor 1 out of 5 hygiene rating, which meant major improvement was necessary. 4 areas highlighted by inspectors needed to be addressed immediately, to comply with legal requirements.
One problem inspectors found was with the implementation of stock rotation and control. While procedures were in place, there was evidence they had failed. Some vacuum-packed cuts of meat were not labelled with a use-by date and others had not been used by the said date — including 2 bags of vacuum-packed venison with a date 6 days prior to the inspection.
An open bag of goat trim, while still in date, had not been used on the day of inspection and was ‘visibly beginning to deteriorate’.
Inspectors noted stock control issues had also been raised at Farmer Jack’s 3 previous hygiene inspections, between March 2018 and February 2020. In February 2020, inspectors were advised new stock rotation procedures had been introduced, but a staff member at the latest visit was ‘not aware’ of any updated controls.
Waste meat was found to be stacked high above the rim of the bin in the walk-in fridge, or was placed next to the bin, close to hanging and other meat stock, creating a potential contamination risk. Inspectors were told the usual waste collector had not come as scheduled and the shop was doing more trade than previously.
The labelling of some prepacked foods directly for sale did not have all ingredients listed – now required following the recent introduction of Natasha’s Law.
Inspectors were also concerned about origin claims of a couple of products that could not be substantiated. Sausages on display were said to be from England, but officers discussed with staff how some of the pork, or other ingredients, could potentially be from the Netherlands, or Spain. ‘Greek Lamb Truffles’ were not from Greece, but were instead Greek style – made with lamb, olives and feta cheese.
Inspectors recommended areas where they advised standards should be improved, including the size of the butcher’s walk-in freezer and the quantitative ingredient information on food labels, although these were not legal requirements.
There was also a coffee machine on the butcher’s preparation table, next to the ham boiler, that inspectors ‘strongly recommended’ was removed because the shop’s own rules did not allow food handlers to eat or drink in the food room.
Farmer Jacks has said it is ‘obviously disappointed’ with the rating and has implemented the recommended changes. The issues raised by inspectors in October have now been rectified and the shop will be applying for a reinspection.
Wont be shopping there anymore !! mjc
I am not surprised by the low score. Farmer Jacks meat is so very expensive that their turnover must be quite slow. I bought some pork chops from there, they looked o.k, but the smell when I took them out of the bag was horrid. They were obviously not fresh, so I took them back and got a refund. Shame on you butchers .
reminds me of my mum who goes in a bakers, points at a cake and says to the staff “is that fresh today?”. strangely she gets the same reply each time “of course it is”.
makes you wonder babs if some companies remove the old packaging and rewrap the items into new packaging ?
I purchased from there once about 5 years ago probably and the quality of the meat wasn’t even supermarket quality and expensive. I don’t mind paying a higher price so long as it is quality.
How can we now trust any information on there products. I can see why the owner is not renewing his lease at Arreton Barns
It would seem from the narrative in this article that ‘Farmer Jacks’ have no interest in even trying to appear to adhere to standards and rules!
We shop here all the time and as experienced professional chefs find their meat and all products fantastic
They encourage the use of all island foods where possible
The staff are exceptional and knowledgeable
please continue with your supermarket cheap produce which are anything but tasty and safe
Gosh that’s a terrifying admission in light of the serious findings documented. I just hope you don’t supply catering for the establishments I frequent! Incidentally,the Red Tractor meat from Ventnor Co-op is always absolutely fresh,correctly stored and very tasty..
Get most of our meat there, never had any issues.
Most reassuring considering the price tag!
Should have been closed down immediately
To Janey, the “experienced professional chefs” who shop there all the time.
Where do you work?, only asking so I know where else to avoid!!!
Yes, me too!
This shop is a con anyway, nearly all the so called island produce isn’t even made on the iow !!
I bought a large chicken 2 days before cooking. The chicken was off. Nearly put me off eating it again. Had to dash to tesco to replace it. The date was not on the package. Not happy about that.