Haul of 'mystery meat' that posed virus risk seized in London's China Town

"A staggering 300kg of suspect meat and dozens of packets of banned Chinese pork noodles that could pose an African Swine Fever risk have been seized in London's China Town. The haul, which included vacuum-sealed chicken slices, marinated pork and sliced beef, was uncovered by eagle-eyed Westminster City Council inspectors during visits to two restaurants in Wardour Street and Lisle Street. While the packaging looked official, none of it could be traced back to a registered UK supplier."

"In a separate sting, council officers acting on a tip off from the Food Standards Agency pounced on a business in Gerrard Street, confiscating 75 packets of flavoured dried noodles weighing over 18kg. The noodles contained banned pork imported from China and listed pig bone and pork oil as ingredients. They were seized, sealed and sent for incineration."

Westminster City Council inspectors seized 300kg of suspect meat, including vacuum-sealed chicken slices, marinated pork and sliced beef, from two restaurants in Wardour Street and Lisle Street. Packaging appeared official but none of the products could be traced to a registered UK supplier, breaching rules requiring approved distributors for meat and animal products. In a separate operation in Gerrard Street, officers seized 75 packets of flavoured dried noodles weighing over 18kg that contained banned pork ingredients such as pig bone and pork oil. All seized items were sealed and sent for incineration to prevent potential spread of African Swine Fever, a virus fatal to pigs.

Read at www.standard.co.uk