Pros 
Cons 's response:
A Mixed Bag of Experiences at Jormar Fresh Meat, Poultry & Delicatessen
Jormar Fresh Meat, Poultry & Delicatessen, located at 6/250 St Kilda, is a butcher shop deli serving the St Kilda community. With a rating of just 2.5 stars based on customer feedback, the establishment presents a complex picture. While some patrons praise specific aspects of their offerings, a significant number have voiced serious concerns about the quality and freshness of the meat sold. The shop is open Friday to Wednesday, 11 AM to 7 PM and closed on Mondays. Contact them on +61 406 308 306 for any inquiries regarding their range before visiting. Accepting debit and credit cards, and NFC mobile payments are available.
Recurring Concerns Regarding Meat Quality
The most pressing and consistent criticism levied against Jormar Fresh Meat, Poultry & Delicatessen revolves around the freshness and quality of their meat products. Several reviews detail deeply concerning experiences, painting a picture of potentially hazardous practices. Here’s a breakdown of the key complaints:
- Black Blood & Off-Odours: Multiple customers report purchasing meat (specifically lamb backstrap and mince) that exhibited black blood and a distinctly foul odour upon reaching home. This is a strong indicator of spoilage and poses a significant health risk.
- Expired Products: Expired chicken schnitzels with overpowering rotten chicken smells have been sold, highlighting a potential lack of proper stock rotation and quality control. This is a major food safety concern.
- Questionable Ingredients: Accounts of chicken sausages that did not resemble chicken in taste and appearance, and schnitzels tasting "sour," suggest possible ingredient substitution or storage issues. This raises doubts about the authenticity and quality of the products.
- Spoiled Mince: A disheartening incident involved a customer discovering purchased mince meat was “off,” ruining a day’s effort to make homemade burger buns – a particularly frustrating experience.
- Drumettes with Strong Odours: Customers have also pointed to drumettes with unpleasant smells, further reinforcing the concerns about freshness.
Bright Spots and Loyal Patrons
Despite the significant negative feedback, it isn't all doom and gloom. A smaller contingent of customers expresses a high degree of satisfaction, particularly concerning poultry and pet food:
- Tommy's Custom Orders: One reviewer specifically mentions "Tommy," presumably the proprietor, and praises his willingness to source special requests with advance notice. This suggests a potential personal touch and flexibility that some customers appreciate.
- Excellent Pet Food: The shop's pet food selection consistently receives positive comments, with customers particularly pleased with the range of chicken mince available for their dogs.
- Fresh and Affordable Chicken: Several reviewers highlight the freshness and affordability of the chicken, especially wings and spare ribs, contrasting favorably with offerings at supermarkets. The absence of odour in the meat is a point of strong praise.
- Kind and Efficient Service: One customer describes the person running the place as "kind and efficient”. This indicates a positive interaction that stood out despite potential concerns surrounding the quality of goods.
- Well-Priced Family Chicken: Others mention happy experiences with chicken purchases for their families.
Potential Issues and Recommendations
The conflicting experiences suggest systemic issues may be at play within Jormar Fresh Meat, Poultry & Delicatessen. While personal interactions can be positive, the recurring complaints regarding meat freshness cannot be ignored. Addressing these criticisms is crucial for the business’s reputation and, most importantly, the wellbeing of its customers.
Here's a summary in a table:
| Area of Concern | Recurring Complaint | Potential Underlying Issue | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat Freshness | Black blood, foul odours, sour taste | Inadequate storage, improper stock rotation, potential sourcing problems | Implement strict FIFO (First In, First Out) stock management, improve refrigeration and temperature monitoring, review supplier relationships. |
| Product Authenticity | Questionable sausage ingredients | Potential ingredient substitution | Strictly adhere to labelling guidelines, conduct quality checks on incoming goods. |
| Expiry Dates | Selling expired products | Lack of vigilance, insufficient date checking | Implement a robust expiry date system, staff training on date management. |
| Food Safety | Potential for food poisoning | Overall poor quality control | Undergo a comprehensive food safety audit, implement HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles. |
The business’s limited payment options (only debit/credit - NFC is not currently consistently offered) may also be a factor some customers consider. Ultimately, Jormar Fresh Meat, Poultry & Delicatessen has the potential to be a valuable asset to the St Kilda community, but significant improvements in quality control and assurance are essential.