Horsemeat Scandal Could Lead to New Food Crime Unit

Date online: 13/12/2013

A SPECIALIST food crime unit could be set up in the UK in the wake of the horsemeat scandal, following recommendations by a government-commissioned review.

The report, by Professor Chris Elliot - Director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queens University Belfast, said the scandal, "clearly showed criminal activity in the global food chain".

Businesses can face serious problems

Molesworths’ Criminal Defence Partner, Gordon Haigh, who has acted for clients in Rochdale, Bury, Todmorden and Greater Manchester on matters of Food Safety Prosecutions for over 25 years said: “I will be very interested to see how the Government propose to set up a crime unit and "intelligence hubs" to gather information on food crime.

"Food business operators, whether it be food distributors, storage, catering, retail, food service, takeaways or hospitality, can expect visits from local enforcement officers, auditing and checking compliance with legal requirements on food safety standards.

"Businesses can face serious problems, including fines and prison sentences, if found not compliant with food hygiene and safety standards or food labelling.”

Gordon Haigh
Gordon Haigh is a senior partner at Molesworths Solicitors with extensive experience and specialist expertise in Criminal Law. If you would like to speak to Gordon Haigh regarding a food safety matter or any matter of criminal defence, please do not hesitate to contact our legal team on 01706 356666 or email mail@molesworths.co.uk

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.