Cane rat and other “potentially unsafe” meat including antelope were seized after a raid on a property, according to officers who took part in a joint operation involving the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), writes Rich Brann..
In the recent raid police from Peckham Rye Safer Neighbourhood Team said they have confiscated around 11 kilos of bushmeat from a property in south east London, including large amounts of crane rat and antelope meat, although they have not named the property.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) were present at the scene as part of the NFCU investigation alongside police officers, during which a 51-year-old man arrested. He was later released under investigation as enquiries continue.
Bushmeat typically refers to wild animal meat procured through hunting. There is concern that these meats are imported illegally and are not subject to proper inspection and could, therefore, be contaminated.
The Food Standards Agency says the primary concern to public health from illegally imported ‘bush meat’ such as cane rats is from food pathogens, which they said are likely to be destroyed during cooking.
Cane rats are pests native to sub-Saharan Africa, with importation illegal under long-standing laws to protect the spread of foreign diseases.
David Toms-Sheridan, Head of Investigations (South of England and Wales) at the NFCU, said: “This operation forms part of the NFCU’s ongoing work to disrupt the illegal meat trade and prevent unsafe products from reaching the public…we remain vigilant to the threat of illegal meat entering the food chain and will continue to take action to protect the public.
“The FSA advises consumers not to buy or eat illegally imported meat, including bushmeat, as it may pose serious health risks – if you have concerns about products being sold, contact your local authority.”
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