Britain sleepwalks into largest food safety crisis since horsemeat scandal as illegal meat floods high streets

Criminal gangs are inundating the UK’s high streets with illegal meat, triggering what MPs have described as the most significant food safety crisis since the horsemeat scandal. According to a recent report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) select committee, alarming volumes of potentially dangerous meat and dairy products are being smuggled into Britain. The report highlights sophisticated networks exploiting airports, sea ports, the Channel tunnel, and even personal baggage to circumvent official checks. These activities are intensifying concerns about the spread of animal diseases, both domestically and from overseas.

Earlier this year, British tourists faced increased scrutiny following a continental outbreak of foot and mouth disease, restricting imports of cured meats and cheeses into the UK. The Efra committee’s findings are stark: meat is often entering in unsanitary conditions—stashed in vans, plastic bags, suitcases, and cardboard boxes. These products then filter through markets, restaurants, and homes, fuelled by demand from the cost of living crisis and cultural preferences.

Official data paints a grim picture. The volume of illegal meat confiscated at UK borders reached 235,000kg in 2024 alone. MPs visiting the Port of Dover witnessed first hand the challenges facing Border Force, describing limited ability to decontaminate inspection areas and a lack of basic handwashing facilities. Alistair Carmichael, the Liberal Democrat MP and Efra committee chairman, warned that the UK is “sleepwalking through its biggest food safety crisis since the horse meat scandal.” He cited a very real risk of a major animal disease outbreak, pointing to Germany’s recent €1bn foot and mouth incident as a sobering precedent.

Illicit meat is not only reaching shopfronts but is also being sold online, by door-to-door salespeople, and in hospitality venues—settings where consumers assume food meets established safety standards. The situation presents an immediate challenge for Emma Reynolds, the new Environment Secretary, who now oversees the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) after a recent Cabinet reshuffle. A Defra spokesperson commented that the government has increased seizures of illegal meat, restricted imports of high-risk animal products, and committed over £200m to a new national biosecurity centre.

Tom Bradshaw, National Farmers’ Union president, echoed the Efra committee’s concerns. He emphasised that rising illegal meat imports heighten risks of diseases such as foot and mouth and African swine fever, jeopardising not only livestock farmers and national food security but also the UK’s export capabilities. Effective risk reduction, he argued, depends on coordinated action across government, local authorities, port health authorities and robust investment in biosecurity.

With high streets now targeted by sophisticated smuggling networks, the scale of this crisis demands urgent and concerted action. The risk to farmers, consumers and the broader economy is profound, calling for vigilance, investment and comprehensive policy follow-through to restore confidence in the safety and integrity of Britain’s food supply.