Four convicted for diverting unfit meat into the human food chain

Investigators discovered 1.9 tonnes of unfit meat at an illegal cutting plant, which was fraudulently reintroduced into the human food chain. Credit: Shutterstock

Four men and a business have been convicted for illegally selling meat unfit for human consumption. A joint investigation by Southwark Council and the Food Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) uncovered the scheme, leading to guilty pleas from three men. A fourth man and his company were found guilty after trial.

How the fraud was uncovered

Southwark Council officers discovered 1.9 tonnes of Category 3 animal by-products—including whole chickens, lamb’s testicles, and beef burgers—at an illegal meat-cutting plant in London. These products were intended for disposal or pet food but were instead being processed for sale as food.

The NFCU traced the meat back to legitimate food businesses, which had sent it to Fears Animal Byproducts in Somerset for safe disposal. Investigators uncovered evidence of a criminal conspiracy, linking the four men through communications and other records.

Court verdict and sentencing

On 27 March 2025, following an 11-week trial at Inner London Crown Court, Anthony Fear, director of Fears Animal Byproducts, and his company were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud by placing unfit food on the market.

At earlier hearings on 13 January 2025:

• Mark Hooper, a manager at Fears Animal Byproducts, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud by placing unfit food on the market.

• Azar Irshad pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including conspiracy to defraud, failing to comply with food safety regulations, and placing unfit food on the market.

• Ali Afzal pleaded guilty to failing to comply with food safety regulations regarding unapproved premises.

Officials condemn the crime

Andrew Quinn, Head of NFCU, emphasised the importance of the prosecution:
“This case involved a meticulous investigation of large volumes of evidence. The NFCU worked closely with Southwark Council and other partners to bring these offenders to justice. We expect sentencing will reflect the seriousness of their actions and deter others.”

Councillor Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods at Southwark Council, condemned the offenders:
“These individuals put public health at risk for profit. Consumers unknowingly bought potentially harmful products. We will not tolerate this behaviour and will use all available powers to prosecute food criminals.”

The sentencing of the convicted individuals and the company will take place in the coming months.