The convictions were the result of a lengthy investigation by Southwark Council and the Food Standard Agency’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) into the sale of animal by-products into the human food chain.
Mark Hooper, Azar Irshad and Ali Afzal all entered guilty pleas for their involvement in serious food crimes on 13 January 2025, while Anthony Fear, the sole director of Fears Animal Byproducts, pleaded not guilty on his and the firm’s behalf and elected to stand trial.
Following an 11-week trial that concluded on 27 March, the jury found both Fear and his business unanimously guilty of the offence of conspiracy to defraud by placing unfit food on the market. Sentencing is due to follow shortly.
During the investigation, Southwark Council offers discovered 1.9 tonnes of Category 3 animal by-products in an illegal meat cutting plant in London that was being processed for sale into the human food chain.
Once meat is classified as an animal by-product it can never be placed back into the human food chain for food safety reasons.
The NFCU traced the animal by-products – which included whole and cut chickens, lamb’s testicles and beef burgers – back to legitimate food business operators which confirmed that the meat had been sent to Fears Animal Byproducts in Somerset for manufacture into pet foods or for safe disposal.
Investigators subsequently pieced together evidence which revealed the criminal relationship between the four accused men and Fears Animal Byproducts.
“These five convictions have been secured following an extensive investigation led by the NFCU which required meticulous examination of large volumes of evidence,” said Andrew Quinn, head of the NFCU.
“The NFCU worked closely with Southwark Council and other partners to enable this successful prosecution. It is anticipated that in due course the sentencing will reflect the serious nature of this offending and will act as a deterrent to other bad actors in the food chain.”
Councillor Natasha Ennin, cabinet member for community safety and neighbourhoods on Southwark Council, described the men as having blatant disregard for food safety laws that protect public health in the pursuit of profit.
“Consumers who unknowingly purchase and consume these products are exposed to potential health hazards,” Ennin added.
“We will not tolerate such reckless and deceitful behaviour and no matter how long it takes; we will use all our available powers to bring criminals to justice.
“Together with the NFCU, our officers worked relentlessly to uncover the truth and ensure those responsible are made to pay for their crimes. We hope sentencing reflects the gravity of the crimes committed.”
