In a coordinated enforcement operation, officers from Leicestershire Police and Leicester City Council joined the FSA’s NFCU to arrest a Leicester-based man in connection with the sale of so-called ‘smokies’ via online platforms.
‘Smokies’ are skin-on sheep or goat meat, produced by singeing the fleece from the unskinned carcass, giving it a golden-brown colour and distinctive taste.
The practice is currently illegal in the UK as the production method does not comply with the strict hygiene standards and requirements for meat and food preparation in Britain.
The 38-year-old man was arrested during a coordinated day of action targeting the online sale of smokies in the East Midlands city.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue into the alleged offences identified during the operation.
Neil Castle, deputy head of 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.”
He added: “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.”
