Four arrested after more than four tonnes of illegal meat seized in Dudley
It's following an operation targeting an unapproved meat cutting plant
Last updated 4th Aug 2026
Four men have been arrested after illegal meat was seized in Dudley.
An operation targeting an unapproved meat cutting plant led to the removal of around four and a quarter metric tonnes of illegal meat.
Dudley Council say action was taken after food safety concerns were raised.
Officials say meat processed at unapproved premises can bypass the strict hygiene and safety checks required in the UK, meaning it could contain diseases or contaminants.
The Food Standards Agency and the National Food Crime Unit have issued a 'Food Alert for Action'.
Authorities are now looking to trace any of the meat that may have entered the food chain and remove it from the market.
Investigators are also examining the meat and paperwork seized as part of a criminal investigation.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "The sale of illegal meat bypasses the strict safety and hygiene standards that are in place to protect consumers, making enforcement action like this vital."
Will Simpson, Regional Intelligence Officer at the FSA’s NFCU added: "This operation forms part of the NFCU’s ongoing work to disrupt the illegal meat trade and we are working with local authorities to trace these products and clear them from shelves.
"Food businesses must do their due diligence on their suppliers to ensure they meet their legal responsibilities to sell food that’s safe and what it says it is."
Anyone with concerns or suspicions of food crime can report it to the NFCU by calling 0800 028 1180.