Police seize rat and antelope meat ‘that poses danger to public’ in unlawful meals raid
Officers have arrested a 51-year-old man, who has not been named, on suspicion of illegally importing meat that poses a food safety hazard to Brits after they found the bushmeat in his home
Police seized rat and antelope meat(Image: Food Standards Agency)
Police have seized 11 kilos of illegal meat – including rats and antelope – after a raid at a property in southeast London. Officers have arrested a 51-year-old man, who has not been named, on suspicion of illegally importing meat that poses a food safety hazard to Brits after they found the bushmeat in his home.
His home was raided as part of a Metropolitan Police probe in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency (FSA). FSA officers were present at the scene, and stated: “Bushmeat is wild animal meat that has been hunted, often from species found in tropical regions.
“The cane rat is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, where it is regarded as a crop-destroying pest in areas where sugarcane, maize and other produce is cultivated.”
The National Food Crime Unit’s Head of Investigations (South of England and Wales), David Toms-Sheridan, said: “The NFCU has been working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service and other Subject Matter Experts to identify those suspected of being involved in this criminality.
“This operation forms part of the NFCU’s ongoing work to disrupt the illegal meat trade and prevent unsafe products from reaching the public.
“The FSA advises consumers not to buy or eat illegally imported meat, including bushmeat, as it may pose serious health risks.
“If you have concerns about products being sold, contact your local authority. We remain vigilant to the threat of illegal meat entering the food chain and will continue to take action to protect the public.”
In its statement, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “Illegally imported meat bypasses the rigorous safety and hygiene checks required for food sold in the UK, and can carry diseases and contaminants that put consumers at risk.
“The FSA advises consumers not to buy or eat illegally imported meat, including bushmeat, as it may pose serious health risks. If you have concerns about products being sold, contact your local authority.
“We remain vigilant to the threat of illegal meat entering the food chain and will continue to take action to protect the public.”
