Booths is the UK grocer linked to a possible food fraud centered around pre-packaged meat, the retailer has confirmed.
The UK’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) is investigating allegations of meat from South America and Europe labeled British and supplied to an anonymous customer in the country.
The NFCU did not name the retailer in question, but Booths, the privately owned grocery store with 27 stores, said it had removed the products in question and stopped doing business with the manufacturer when made aware of the claims.
In a statement, Booths, a retailer based in the northwest of England, said it is “categorically not under investigation by the NFCU.”
The company added: “Booths’ support for the investigation relates to a limited selection of cooked meat products and Booths is not aware of any other aspect of the investigation. The moment he learned of the potential issues in 2021, Booths acted immediately, removing all relevant products from sale and ceasing trading with the supplier with immediate effect.
“Booths would like to confirm that fresh meat, poultry and game products are completely unaffected by this investigation and that, with the exception of the limited selection of affected cooked meat products in 2021, Booths is absolutely confident in their commitment. British only meat. It is also important to note that while the NFCU investigation relates to a potential serious incident of food fraud, it is not a food safety issue.”
In a statement sent to just foodAndrew Quinn, deputy director of the NFCU, said: “The FSA’s National Food Crime Unit is investigating how a UK retailer was supplied with pre-packaged sliced meat and charcuterie items labeled British when in fact they came from South America. and Europe.
“The retailer was notified the same day that we took action against the suspected fraud food business and immediately removed all affected products from its shelves. The retailer continues to work closely and cooperatively with the NFCU investigation to advance the case against the supplier. This is not a food safety issue, but a food fraud issue.”
