Four men have been arrested and 4,240 kg of illegal meat seized during a raid on an unapproved meat cutting plant.
The Food Standards Agency this week said the bust was made at an address in Dudley, near Wolverhampton, by its National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), who worked with West Midlands Police, HMRC and representatives from the Home Office.
The NFCU and FSA have issued a Food Alert for Action and are working with with local authorities to trace and remove illegal meat that has entered the market.
A criminal investigation has also been launched.
“Food businesses must do their due diligence on their suppliers to ensure they meet their legal responsibilities to sell food that’s safe and what it says it is,” said FSA NFCU regional intelligence officer Will Simpson.
According to the FSA, meat that illegally enters the food chain bypasses UK safety and hygiene checks.
This means they carry a heightened disease and contaminant risk. To ensure food safety is maintained, certain activities must be approved by the authorities.
“The sale of illegal meat bypasses the strict safety and hygiene standards that are in place to protect consumers, making enforcement action like this vital, said Dudley Coouncil leader Cllr Patrick Harley.
“This operation demonstrates the value of strong partnership working in protecting residents and maintaining confidence in the food supply chain.”
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