SUPERMARKET turkeys said to be fresh for Christmas have been slaughtered more than a month earlier and stored in chilled warehouses, a trade body claims.
he British Frozen Food Federation allege customers are being conned by the supposedly fresh festive favourite.
Their research also shows the deep chilled birds, stocked in shops like Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer, are costing up to 72% more than frozen ones.
Nigel Broadhurst, of the British Frozen Food Federation, said: “I think most people are buying those turkeys just before Christmas on the understanding that it is a fresh bird.
“They are not fresh turkeys. They were killed on the 18th or the 26th of flipping November.”
The festive poultry is wrapped in plastic and has the air pushed out in a bid to extend the shelf life before being put into a deep freeze at -12 degrees.
The British Retail Consortium, who represents the supermarkets, denied the practice was misleading.
Director Andrew Opie said: “It is the best way for retailers to ensure they can provide good quality, affordable turkeys from the best suppliers at Christmas.
“We believe this has always been clear and is fully in line with labelling regulations.”
The British Poultry Council added the practice was within EU regulations and necessary to keep up with demand.
Shraddha Kaul, a spokesperson for the group said: “Some of the producers start the slaughter in November to accommodate seasonal customer demand for turkeys and have them ready on the shelves in time for Christmas.”
Around 9 million turkeys are killed in the run up to Christmas with prices ranging on Sainsbury’s website from £12.50 to £27.50.