Police seize rat and antelope meat 'that poses risk to public' in illegal food raid

Police have seized 11kg of illegal bushmeat - including rats and antelope - after a raid at a property in southeast London. A 51-year-old man was arrested following a the raid, which was part of a Metropolitan Police probe into illegally imported meat that posed a potential food safety hazard to consumers. The Food Standards Agency (FSA), whose officers were present at the scene, stated: "Bushmeat is wild animal meat that has been hunted, often from species found in tropical regions." The cane rat is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, where it is regarded as a crop-destroying pest in areas where sugarcane, maize and other produce is cultivated. The National Food Crime Unit's Head of Investigations (South of England and Wales), David Toms-Sheridan, said: "The NFCU has been working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service and other Subject Matter Experts to identify those suspected of being involved in this criminality. This operation forms part of the NFCU’s ongoing work to disrupt the illegal meat trade and prevent unsafe products from 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 remain vigilant to the threat of illegal meat entering the food chain and will continue to take action to protect the public." In its statement, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: "Illegally imported meat bypasses the rigorous safety and hygiene checks required for food sold in the UK, and can carry diseases and contaminants that put consumers at risk. "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." Investigations were continuing. Back in 2012, an undercover investigation by BBC London uncovered "shocking" quantities of illegal meat from various species, including the cane rat, being sold openly at Ridley Road Market, reports Wales Online .