One tonne of smuggled pork seized at ports of Felixstowe and Harwich
Port authorities say it will help prevent the outbreak of diseases like African Swine Fever
Authorities have seized a tonne of pork which was being smuggled into the ports at Felixstowe and Harwich.
The meat has been discovered by officials at the Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority (SCPHA) in several containers over the past few months and didn't meet new import rules.
DEFRA introduced new restrictions on the movement of port last year to help protect Britain's pig population.
Border Force officers say the seizure could help reduce the chance of a deadly disease like African Swine Fever breaking out in the UK.
Mark, Team Leader at SCPHA, said: “In just one week around Christmas, our team of 11 were able to identify, inspect and seize more than 300kg of pork that did not comply with the new controls. Since our operation began in November, we have confiscated one tonne in total.
“We are pleased our joint operation with Border Force has already made an impact in reducing the chances of an ASF outbreak Britain.”
“We use our expertise in food security and public health to search vehicles, trailers and freight flagged by Border Force that could be carrying pork and identify the risks.
“We confiscate any pork we find that does not meet the new standards, as well as other meats that cannot be identified, and are pleased to say the majority of confiscated pork to date has been surrendered voluntarily.”