Five arrested after 'unsafe' meat sparks huge concern

Warning: This article contains imagery of animal carcasses, which some readers may find distressing.

Five people have been arrested after a ‘substantial quantity’ of meat was seized by UK officials, who say it posed a huge ‘food safety risk’.

The Food Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) said in a press release that it attended a location on Monday 25 November, where it discovered 48 sheep carcasses.

The meat was being stored in ‘unsanitary conditions’ in unrefrigerated vans.

(Chris Griffiths/Getty Images)

According to the NFCU, the meat is thought to be illegal, having undergone a ‘smoking process with its skin on’, while also not being traceable.

“Meat should have traceability from farm to fork and be subject to checks by FSA vets and meat hygiene inspectors,” it said.

Police arrested five men, who were later interviewed by NFCU officers.

All five have been released under investigation.

Neil Castle, Deputy Head of the FSA’s NFCU, said in a statement: “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.

“The meat has been seized and we are taking action with partners to tackle the trade in illegal meat and protect the public.

He added: “If you have any concerns or suspicions about illegal meat you can contact your local Trading Standards. If you suspect food crime, report it to Food Crime Confidential always available on food.gov.uk or by phoning 0800 028 1180.”

The carcasses were discovered in an unrefrigerated van (National Food Crime Unit)

Last month, officials in the US issued an urgent warning after an outbreak of E. coli was linked to organic carrots.

The bacterium, known by its full name of Escherichia coli, is commonly found in the gut of humans and animals.

Most strains are relatively harmless, but some can cause serious illness, with the World Health Organization (WHO) saying the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) causes ‘severe’ foodborne disease.

Many people infected with the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli usually experience symptoms within three to four days of ingesting the bacteria, including stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting.

A statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the time said: “CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 infections linked to multiple brands of recalled organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms.

“Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people's homes. If you have any recalled carrots in your home, throw them out or return them to the store.”