Dover Port Authorities Confiscate Record Amount of Illegal Meat
Illegal Meat Seizures at Port of Dover Surge in 2024
Nearly 100 tonnes of illegal meat were seized at the Port of Dover in 2024, according to new data. The confiscated meat, which included pork, lamb, beef, and chicken, totalled 98,958kg across 868 separate seizures. This represents a significant increase of over 75% compared to the 56,089kg seized in 2023.
The Dover Port Health Authority has expressed concerns about the potential for diseased meat to enter the food chain. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has reiterated its commitment to protecting the UK’s biosecurity, stating that the government would “never waver” in this duty.
The data, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, highlights a dramatic rise in seizures from previous years. In 2022, only 3,899kg of meat were seized in 27 incidents. Additionally, the first week of January 2025 alone saw 10 tonnes of meat confiscated at the port.
Lucy Manzano of the Dover Port Health Authority noted that most of the seizures resulted from spot checks. “Pulling vehicles over, it’s from those vehicles that we’re finding these huge and increasing volumes of illegal meat that is heading for our high streets,” she said.
This surge in illegal meat seizures underscores the ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of the UK’s food supply chain.
Original story: BBC Kent
Read full article Share on X