The Food Standard Agency's (FSA) National Food Crime Unit (NFCU)
has taken part in a multi-agency day of action in Leicester,
targeting the illegal sale of smokies' through an online
business.
Officers from Leicestershire Police and the Local Authority
joined the NFCU as part of a coordinated enforcement operation,
during which a Leicester-based man was arrested in connection
with the sale of smokies via online platforms.
Smokies' refers to skin-on sheep or goat meat, produced by
singeing the fleece off the unskinned carcass, giving it a
golden-brown colour and distinctive taste. Their production is
illegal in the UK, as smokies don't comply with the strict
hygiene standards and requirements for meat or food
preparation.
The 38-year old man has been released under investigation, while
enquires continue into offences uncovered.
Neil Castle, Deputy Head at the FSA's NFCU,
said:
The NFCU, in partnership with police and council officers, has
been investigating food safety offences and the alleged online
selling of smokies. By working closely with our
partners, we were able to remove and oversee the safe disposal of
158kg of unidentified meat from the human food chain.
Smokies made in the traditional way may have food safety risks
and may involve slaughter methods that don't meet animal welfare
legislation. If you suspect that smokie meat is being sold,
contact your local trading standards.
If you suspect smokie selling or food crime you can
also report it to Food Crime
Confidential on gov.uk/food-crime/report or by phoning 0800
028 1180 (0207 276 8787 for non-UK mobiles and calls).
