Four men have been arrested after a police raid on an unapproved meat cutting plant in Dudley resulted in the seizure of approximately four-and-a-quarter tonnes of illegal meat.
The meat has been removed from the market as part of a joint operation involving the Food Standards Agency's National Food Crime Unit, West Midlands Police, HMRC and representatives from the Home Office.
Food safety concerns
Meat that enters the food chain illegally bypasses the rigorous safety and hygiene checks required in the UK. According to the FSA, this can allow diseases and contaminants to reach consumers.
Will Simpson, Regional Intelligence Officer at the FSA's National Food Crime Unit, said the operation was part of ongoing work to disrupt the illegal trade. A criminal investigation has 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," Simpson said.
Local authority response
Councillor Patrick Harley said enforcement action was taken by the local authority to address immediate food safety concerns.
"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," he said.
The FSA has issued a Food Alert for Action — an official notice requiring local enforcement or specific authority intervention. The Food Standards Agency and its National Food Crime Unit are working with local authorities to trace remaining illegal meat and clear it from shelves.
