UK meat supplier ordered to halt deliveries amid “serious non-compliance with food hygiene regulations”
25 Jan 2018 --- UK meat firm Russell Hume, which supplies pub chain Wetherspoon, schools and care homes, is at the center of a probe by the Food Standards Agency, over food hygiene concerns. And restaurants owned by British celebrity chef and TV personality, Jamie Oliver, are also believed to be affected and have removed meat supplied by the wholesaler from menus.
Following an unannounced inspection of Russell Hume’s Birmingham site earlier this month, the UK food watchdog says it became aware of instances of “serious non-compliance with food hygiene regulations.”
This led the Agency, along with Food Standards Scotland to investigate all Russell Hume sites, and other locations where their product is stored, in England, Scotland and Wales.
“Russell Hume was unable to demonstrate compliance with food hygiene rules at its locations, so we have stopped any product from leaving their sites until the business can provide assurances that they are complying with the relevant legislation and that they are producing safe food,” says an FSA statement.
“We have also instructed Russell Hume to undertake a withdrawal of all affected product in the supply chain.”
“There is no indication that people have become ill from eating meat supplied by Russell Hume. However, we are concerned about the poor practices in place at their premises so that is why we have taken proportionate action to ensure no meat can leave their sites at present. We are continuing to assess the situation.”
Russell Hume’s website appeared to be down this morning as FoodIngredientsFirst made attempts to contact the business.
The Wetherspoons pub company is a popular chain across the UK which is known for converting unconventional premises into pubs. The company owns just under 1,000 outlets. However, it is not yet known how many may have been supplied with meat from Russell Hume.
Distribution of meat from Russell Hume is to a range of outlets, including hospitality and catering businesses, and care homes and schools confirm the FSA.
“All unused meat supplied by Russell Hume has been withdrawn from the businesses that they supply until they can provide assurances,” the statement continues. “The company is cooperating with our investigation and is currently reviewing its procedures and retraining its staff.”
When FoodIngredientsFirst contacted JD Wetherspoon earlier today we were told that the product recall was “a precautionary measure because of mislabeling.”
“We have had a supply issue with our pubs. Currently rump steak, sirloin steak and gammon steak are not available, but we hope to resolve this soon,” says a Wetherspoon statement sent to FoodIngredientsFirst.
“We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.”
By Gaynor Selby
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