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Police have arrested a man after seizing 38 kilograms of illegal frozen wild meat, including pangolins, cane rats and porcupines, the food safety watchdog said.
officials of Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Metropolitan Police found wild meat at a location deptfordSouth East London on 5 December.
Bushmeat is from wild animals – often species found in tropical regions – that have been hunted.
A 57-year-old man was arrested and released under investigation FSA Said.
The watchdog said the operation targeted illegally imported meat products that pose potential food safety risks to consumers.
It says illegally imported meat bypasses the safety and hygiene checks required for food sold in the UK and may contain diseases and contaminants that put consumers at risk.
Some species, such as pangolins, are also critically endangered and all commercial trade in them is banned internationally.
The FSA said inquiries were continuing.
Simon Ashwin, senior investigator with the FSA’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), said: “This operation is part of the NFCU’s ongoing work to disrupt the illegal meat trade and prevent unsafe products reaching 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.
“We are alert to the threat of illegal meat entering the food chain and will continue to take action to protect the public.”