Illegal Meat Floods UK High Streets

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Surge in Unregulated Meat Sparks Biosecurity Concerns

The UK is facing a growing crisis as illegal meat products—bypassing essential health and safety checks—are reportedly being sold on high streets across the country. The warning comes from Lucy Manzano, head of the Dover Port Health Authority, who has raised alarms over the scale and reach of this illicit trade.

Health Risks and Regulatory Gaps

These unregulated imports pose serious risks to public health and animal biosecurity, as they often:

  • Bypass veterinary inspections
  • Lack traceability
  • May carry diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) or African Swine Fever (ASF)

The situation has intensified following recent FMD outbreaks in Germany and Hungary, prompting calls for tighter border controls and enhanced enforcement against illegal imports

Industry and Government Response

Farmers’ unions and food safety advocates are urging the UK government to:

  • Increase funding for border inspections
  • Deploy advanced detection technologies
  • Strengthen penalties for offenders

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) have both emphasized the need for urgent action to protect the UK’s agricultural sector and maintain consumer confidence

Conclusion

The rise of illegal meat on UK high streets is a pressing issue that threatens both food safety and livestock health. With growing concerns from industry leaders and health authorities, decisive government intervention is needed to curb this dangerous trend.

Original story: BBC News

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