A partnership operation by Dudley Council and the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has resulted in four arrests and the disposal of over 4t of illegal meat.

Officers from the local authority and the NFCU worked with West Midlands Police, Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and representatives from the UK Home Office on the operation in Dudley in the West Midlands.

During the joint operation, which targeted an unapproved meat-cutting plant, four men were arrested and approximately 4.25 metric tonnes of illegal meat were removed from the market.

Food safety concerns

Enforcement action was taken by the local authority to address immediate food safety concerns.

To ensure food safety is maintained, certain activities must be approved by the authorities.

According to the food authority, meat illegally placed into the food chain bypasses the rigorous safety and hygiene checks required in the UK, meaning it can carry diseases and contaminants that put consumers at risk.

The NFCU, which is the dedicated law enforcement function of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), has issued a Food Alert for Action and is working with local authorities to trace this meat and remove it from the market.

Criminal investigation

Officers from the NFCU are now examining the details of the product and paperwork recovered and have started a criminal investigation.

NFCU regional intelligence officer, Will Simpson said: "The NFCU has been working closely with partners, including Dudley Council and the West Midlands Police Service, to identify those suspected of criminal activity.

"This operation forms part of the NFCU’s ongoing work to disrupt the illegal meat trade and we are working with local authorities to trace these products and clear them from shelves.

"We remain vigilant to the threat of illegal meat entering the food chain and will continue to take action to protect the public."

Simpson has urged anyone with suspicions of food crime to report it to the NFCU.

Standards

Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said this operation "demonstrates the value of strong partnership working in protecting residents and maintaining confidence in the food supply chain".

He said: "Working alongside the NFCU and other enforcement partners, Dudley Council officers helped identify and tackle activity that posed a potential risk to public health.

The Dudley Council leader thanked all the agencies involved for their collaborative work.

"We will continue to work with partners to take robust action against anyone operating outside the law and putting public safety at risk," Harley said.