Big penalties issued after ‘smoky’ meat, which could pose serious health issues, is discovered.
Three businesses have been ordered to pay more than £54,000 in fines and court costs after a Milton Keynes City Council investigation revealed they were selling illegal meat.
Manha Mini Market in Neath Hill, Manha Foods in Broughton and Sabeeh Mini Market in Conniburrow were all found to be storing ‘smoky meat’ and carcasses which could pose serious health issues if consumed.
‘Smokies’ are a traditional delicacy in some countries, where sheep or goat meat is scorched with a blowtorch with the skin still attached, giving it a smoked flavour. In the UK, the production or sale of ‘smokies’ is prohibited under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations as there is no safe way to produce them without the potential for E-coli and Salmonella being introduced into the meat.
Any meat sold legally in the UK must have been slaughtered in an approved abattoir and bear an authorised health or identification mark. Further production processes must be followed to prevent the risk of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) – the sheep equivalent of mad cow disease.
In this recent case, none of the food found possessed the approved health or identification marks, and there was evidence the correct process had not been followed during preparation. The businesses involved were unable to provide any invoices from the suppliers, even though full traceability for meat is a legal requirement.
The meat was seized by the city council and a condemnation order was obtained from MK Magistrates Court.
All three companies pleaded guilty and at a sentencing hearing earlier this month. Sabeeh Mini Market was fined £26,000 plus £3,500 costs. Manha Mini Market was fined £8,600 plus £3,900 costs. Manha Foods was fined £8,600 plus £3,300 costs.
“The illegal sale of unregulated meat is not only a betrayal of consumer trust, but also a serious risk to health,” said Cllr Mick Legg, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services.
“We’ll continue to take firm action against any businesses that undermine food safety regulations. These fines serve as a strong reminder that you will be found out if you don’t follow the law.”
