A staggering 300kg of suspect meat and dozens of packets of banned Chinese pork noodles that could pose an African Swine Fever risk have been seized in London’s China Town.
The haul, which included vacuum-sealed chicken slices, marinated pork and sliced beef, was uncovered by eagle-eyed Westminster City Council inspectors during visits to two restaurants in Wardour Street and Lisle Street.
While the packaging looked official, none of it could be traced back to a registered UK supplier.
Under strict Government rules, all meat and animal products must come through approved distributors to ensure it is safe for diners.
In a separate sting, council officers acting on a tip off from the Food Standards Agency pounced on a business in Gerrard Street, confiscating 75 packets of flavoured dried noodles weighing over 18kg.
The noodles contained banned pork imported from China and listed pig bone and pork oil as ingredients.
They were seized, sealed and sent for incineration.
Officials say the move was essential to help prevent the spread of African Swine Fever – a highly contagious virus which, while harmless to humans, is fatal to pigs and causes havocs in herds across the world.
Aicha Less, Westminster City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for public protection, said: "Millions of people visit Westminster to eat out, and our job as a local authority is to ensure that diners enjoy food that is safe.
“That means knowing the origin of imported food - you cannot have mystery meat showing up in restaurant kitchens with no real idea of where it has come from.
“The meat we found was clearly intended for food businesses including Westminster restaurants.
"As well as a threat to humans, illegal food products are also a risk to livestock. Animal swine fever, even in prepackaged food products, can prove contagious and we need to stop any possibility of it spreading.
"Our environmental health teams will continue to ensure people visiting restaurants in the West End can have a safe and enjoyable experience."
The China Town seizers come amid a crackdown on illicit goods being sold in central London.
Westminster Council Trading Standards teams have in recent weeks seized hundreds of fake Labubu toys that could pose a chocking hazard to children, as well as illegal erectile dysfunction pills and powerful prescription drugs on sale in souvenir stores across London’s West End.
