Man arrested in relation to cattle slaughter fraud investigation

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the arrest in an update on the joint investigation, which is being carried out by the FSA’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) along with West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire police forces.

The suspected food fraud involves the creation of potentially fraudulent documents that enable the movement of cattle.

Investigators fear that this could have an adverse impact on the food chain.

Neil Castle, deputy head of the FSA’s NFCU, said that the investigation also related to the “emergency slaughter of cattle on farms", ​with the initial probe taking place on the morning of Wednesday 6 November.

Items seized

“West Yorkshire police arrested one male who was later interviewed by our investigators and released under investigation,”​ Castle added.

“Working with South Yorkshire Police, we also executed a search warrant at a business in South Yorkshire, where a number of items were seized."​

Providing further details on the arrest, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “A 41-year-old man from Dewsbury was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and forgery.​

“He has been released under investigation pending continuing enquiries with the FSA.”​

Food Manufacture has also reached out to South Yorkshire Police for comment. The investigation remains ongoing.

In other news, Samworth Brothers has been fined £1.28m after an employee was killed in the loading bay of a facility operated by the food manufacturer.​​