Arrest as part of investigation into 'smokies' selling

A man has been arrested as part of an investigation into the online sale of illegal smokies meat.

The Food Standard Agency's National Food Crime Unit, alongside Leicestershire Police and other agencies, were involved in enforcement action in the city on 24 September.

Smokies are skin-on sheep or goat meat, produced by singeing the fleece off the unskinned carcass, the FSA added, while their production is illegal in the UK as they do not comply with hygiene standards and meat or food preparation requirements.

The agency said on Monday the 38-year-old man had been arrested in Leicester in connection with the sale of smokies via online platforms.

It added the unidentified meat would need forensic testing to establish whether it had been smoked or not.

Neil Castle, deputy head of the food crime unit, said: "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.

"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."

The FSA said the arrested man had been released under investigation while inquiries continued.

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