Illegal bushmeat seized in London as NFCU makes arrest in food crime crackdown

A joint operation led by the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has resulted in the seizure of illegal bushmeat and the arrest of a suspect in south-east London.

Working alongside the Metropolitan Police Service, officers attended a residential address in Peckham Rye where they recovered approximately 11kg of bushmeat, including species such as cane rat and antelope. The incident follows a similar seizure in Deptford in December.

A 51-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has since been released under investigation, with enquiries ongoing.

Bushmeat refers to meat derived from wild animals, often hunted in tropical regions and imported illegally into countries such as the UK. Authorities warn that such products present significant food safety risks, as they bypass official import controls and hygiene checks.

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.  

We remain vigilant to the threat of illegal meat entering the food chain and will continue to take action to protect the public.”  

David Toms-Sheridan, Head of Investigations (South of England and Wales) at the NFCU

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), illegally imported meat can carry harmful pathogens, diseases and contaminants that pose a serious threat to public health.

The operation forms part of the NFCU’s wider efforts to disrupt the illegal meat trade and prevent unsafe food from entering the supply chain. The unit works in collaboration with law enforcement and specialist partners to identify and target individuals suspected of food-related criminal activity.

David Toms-Sheridan, Head of Investigations (South of England and Wales) at the NFCU, said the unit remains focused on tackling this type of offence and protecting consumers.

He emphasised that operations such as this are key to identifying criminal networks involved in the illegal meat trade and stopping potentially unsafe products from reaching the public.

The FSA is urging consumers not to purchase or consume illegally imported meat, including bushmeat, due to the associated health risks. Members of the public who have concerns about suspicious food products are advised to contact their local authority.

The agency added that it remains vigilant to the threat posed by illegal meat imports and will continue to take enforcement action where necessary.