Food Standards Agency: NFCU Arrests Individual in Illegal 'Smokies' Operation

We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. The Food Standard Agency's (FSA) National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has taken part in a multi-agency day of action in Leicester, targeting the illegal sale of ‘smokies’ through an online business. Unidentified meat removed from the human food chain by NFCU and partners Officers from Leicestershire Police and the Local Authority joined the NFCU as part of a coordinated enforcement operation, during which a Leicester-based man was arrested in connection with the sale of smokies via online platforms. ‘Smokies’ refers to skin-on sheep or goat meat, produced by singeing the fleece off the unskinned carcass, giving it a golden-brown colour and distinctive taste. Their production is illegal in the UK, as smokies don’t comply with the strict hygiene standards and requirements for meat or food preparation. The 38-year old man has been released under investigation, while enquires continue into offences uncovered. 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. 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. If you suspect smokie selling or food crime you can also report it to Food Crime Confidential on gov.uk/food-crime/report or by phoning 0800 028 1180 (0207 276 8787 for non-UK mobiles and calls). The following links open in a new tab Share on Facebook (opens in new tab) Share on X (opens in new tab) Is this page useful? Maybe Yes this page is useful No this page is not useful Thank you for your feedback Report a problem with this page Help us improve GOV.UK Do not include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab and requires JavaScript ) .