Five arrests in UK illegal meat investigation

Enforcement agencies in the UK have made five arrests after discovering unsafe and potentially illegal meat in vans.

Officers with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) discovered 48 sheep carcasses in unrefrigerated vans in London during an investigation on November 25.  The meat is thought to be illegal, having undergone a smoking process with its skin on, and is not traceable. Meat should have traceability from farm to fork and be subject to checks by FSA vets and meat hygiene inspectors.

Neil Castle, deputy head of the NFCU, said the meat was being kept in unsanitary conditions, posing a food safety risk, and has been seized, adding: "We are taking action with partners to tackle the trade in illegal meat and protect the public."