Supplier Russell Hume at the centre of meat scandal

Meat, game and poultry specialist Russell Hume is under investigation by the Foods Standards Agency (FSA) after an unannounced inspection of its Birmingham processing site on 12 January.

Russell Hume supplies notable pubs and restaurants such as Wetherspoon, Greene King, Marston’s, and Jamie Oliver chains.

The FSA found instances of serious non-compliance with food hygiene rules and as a result has launched an investigation into all Russell Hume sites.

“Russell Hume were 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,” said the FSA on their website.

Furthermore, the FSA ordered the meat specialists to begin withdrawing all contaminated products in their supply chain.

While there have so far been no reported cases of illness from eating Russell Hume meat, the FSA is concerned over poor hygiene practices and therefore must take action to ensure meat will not leave the processing plant until Russell Hume resolves the issue.

“All unused meat supplied by Russell Hume has been withdrawn from the businesses that they supply until they can provide assurances. The company is co-operating with our investigation and is currently reviewing its procedures and retraining its staff,” said the FSA.

In reaction to the scandal, Jamie Oliver restaurants have responded by pulling affected meat, game and chicken from their restaurants as soon as they were notified, the day before the FSA instructions to withdraw.

“We have very strict higher welfare and food standards and to ensure our suppliers uphold these standards, we have an independent team that audits all our key suppliers, including meat. Following an inspection at the end of last year and the fact we have full traceability on our meat, we can confirm that none of the meat we buy would have been impacted,” said a spokesperson for Jamie Oliver restaurants.

Weatherspoon’s chief executive Tim Martin responded to the issue: “We had a product recall yesterday. Pretty rare, but does happen occasionally. I’m sure we’ll get it back on within a couple of days.”

The FSA’s investigations into Russell Hume are currently ongoing.