Maggots and old bloodstains – poultry processing case
The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland (FSA in NI) reported finding animal by-products infested with maggots, old and drying bloodstains on the floor and no cleaning process in operation at the facility.
The firm had none of the necessary approvals under EU hygiene regulations and turkeys had been processed without veterinary inspection, as required by law, the agency said.
Failed to appear
The resultant prosecution was initially brought to court in December 2011, but Nigel Wilson, who ran Upper Erne Lakes Poultry, failed to appear and district judge McNally convicted him in his absence. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Wilson, from County Fermanagh, finally presented himself to court earlier this week, on April 28, having returned to Northern Ireland from overseas, and the sentence, which included four months in prison, was passed.
“The FSA in NI welcomes this sentencing today, which we hope sends a strong message to those who try to operate food businesses outside the law,” said Michael Jackson, head of food safety and operations at the FSA in NI.
‘Illegal processing’
“This was a joint agency approach, with officers from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) investigating the offences on our behalf. Thanks to their diligence, we were able to bring this prosecution and stop the illegal processing of poultry at Mr Wilson’s business.
“We were pleased that Mr Wilson also consented to our request for a Hygiene Prohibition Order which was, in turn, granted by the district judge in court.
“This means Mr Wilson will not be able to participate in the management of any poultry processing business similar to the one he ran previously and we believe this further protects the public and the integrity of the food chain in Northern Ireland.”
