The National Food Crime Unit has seized untraceable and potentially illegal sheep carcasses stored in unrefrigerated vans in London. Five men have been arrested and released under investigation as authorities continue to tackle the trade in illegal meat.

The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has uncovered a concerning case involving unsafe and potentially illegal meat. On Monday, 25 November 2024, NFCU officers, in partnership with police, discovered unrefrigerated vans in London containing 48 sheep carcasses.

The carcasses are believed to have undergone an unregulated smoking process, leaving the skin intact, which breaches food safety regulations. Additionally, the meat lacked traceability, a fundamental requirement ensuring food can be tracked from farm to fork and verified by FSA veterinarians and meat hygiene inspectors.

As part of the investigation, five men were arrested and interviewed by NFCU officers. All have since been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

The NFCU described the conditions in which the meat was being stored as unsanitary, posing a significant risk to public health. The meat has been seized, and authorities are working to disrupt the trade in illegal meat, safeguarding consumers.

Neil Castle, Deputy Head of the NFCU, stated:

“Officers from the National Food Crime Unit discovered a substantial quantity of allegedly illegal meat in unrefrigerated vans. The meat lacks traceability and was being kept in unsanitary conditions, posing a food safety risk. We are taking action with partners to tackle the trade in illegal meat and protect the public.”

The NFCU continues to urge the public to remain vigilant. Concerns or suspicions about illegal meat should be reported to local Trading Standards. For reports related to food crime, individuals can contact the Food Crime Confidential service, available online at food.gov.uk or by calling 0800 028 1180.

This discovery underlines the importance of traceability and compliance with food safety standards to protect public health and uphold the integrity of the food chain. The NFCU remains committed to combating food crime and ensuring the safety of the food supply.