Another arrest in UK illegal meat investigation

Officers from the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) in the UK have arrested a sixth person in connection with seizures of suspected illegal meat in London last month.

The arrest was carried out by the NFCU and Dyfed-Powys Police at a farm in Wales. The 52-year-old man has been interviewed and released under investigation.

On November 25, the NFCU discovered 48 sheep carcasses – known as 'smokies' in unrefrigerated vans in London that are suspected of being illegal, as they were untraceable and had undergone a smoking process with the skin on.

"Smokies are a food safety issue as they aren’t produced under hygienic conditions," said Neil Castle, deputy head of the NFCU at the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

"We are advising people to steer clear of sheep meat produced in this way as it may be a health risk, and to contact their local Trading Standards or us if they suspect smokies are being produced or sold."