Beware festive 'deals'.

TRADING standards officers are advising consumers to be cautious about multi-pack offers in butchers.

Members of the North East Trading Standards Association, have been checking whether bulk-buy bargains designed to tempt shoppers are good value.

Butchers were visited in the North-east including Stockton. In all 38 premises were checked -problems that could mislead customers were found in over 20% of cases.

By law, packs of meat are generally required to be marked with the weight of meat contained as well as the unit price, for example, price per kilogram, and the price of the actual pack.

Some butchers then make offers that claim or imply a reduced rate when more than one pack is bought - for example three for pounds 10. In some places the bulk "bargains" were found to be no cheaper and sometimes more expensive than loose meat or single packs.

Some packs did not carry any quantity or price indications preventing shoppers making any comparison of value.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for housing and community safety said: "The rules concerning the sale of meat require a quantity and price is clearly displayed precisely so consumers can make informed choices.

Anyone with concerns about the issue can call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506