The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), which is part of the Food Standard Agency (FSA), attended a location in London alongside the Metropolitan Police on 25 November where they found multiple unrefrigerated vans that contained 48 sheep carcasses.
The meat is thought to be illegal, having undergone a smoking process with its skin on, and is not traceable.
Meat traded in the UK must have traceability records from ‘farm to fork’, in addition to being subject to checks by FSA vets and hygiene inspectors.
The police officers subsequently arrested five men who were then interviewed by NFCU officers at a south London police station.
All five have been released under investigation.
“Officers from the National Food Crime Unit discovered a substantial quantity of allegedly illegal meat in unrefrigerated vans,” said NFCU deputy head Neil Castle.
”The meat lacks traceability and was being kept in unsanitary conditions posing a food safety risk. The meat has been seized and we are taking action with partners to tackle the trade in illegal meat and protect the public.”
Castle then urged anyone with suspicions about illegal meat to contact Trading Standards, and those with food fraud concerns to get in touch with Food Crime Confidential.
