People are only just realising what the ‘E’ symbol on their meat packaging stands for

British meat lovers are in uproar after discovering the true meaning behind the “E” symbol on meat packaging, a revelation that has left many feeling shortchanged. 

Amid the rising cost-of-living crisis, consumers are scrutinising their spending more closely, including ensuring they receive the full weight of products they purchase at the supermarket.

The issue came to light when a member of the popular Facebook group, Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, shared her shocking discovery. 

The shopper, after weighing a 500g packet of lean beef steak mince on her digital scales, found it only contained 456g of meat.

“NOT a coupon or bargain but maybe something to think about… are we getting what we pay for?” she wrote in her post, highlighting the discrepancy between the labeled weight and the actual weight. 

Despite the packaging stating 500g, the woman was dismayed to find she received significantly less.

The post quickly garnered attention, with social media users concluding that the “E” on the packaging stands for “estimated,” a revelation that incited anger among many. 

“People moaning its only 50g yet if you bought a variety bag of 6 packs of crisps and only got 5 would you still be okay with it?” one user commented, comparing the weight discrepancy to other products. 

Another user pointed out: “For those who don’t think it’s a big deal. Every 11th packet if packaged at 50g less is pure profit to these companies.”

The “E” symbol, which denotes an average or estimated weight, is not supposed to fall below a certain percentage of the stated amount. However, the nearly 10% shortfall in this case left shoppers feeling deceived. 

“Yes the ‘E’ means average or estimated weight but it’s also not meant to fall below a certain percentage weight wise of the amount stated which is the case here,” another user noted.

In response to the discovery, some consumers suggested buying meat from local butchers, where products are weighed in front of customers, to avoid such discrepancies. 

“Buy fresh, buy local, buy bulk if needs be, separate & home freeze,” one user recommended. A

nother disgruntled shopper added: “I don’t care what the E in the corner stands for or packaging errors, get it right I’m paying for 500g give me 500g not rocket science.”