Meat retailer Russell Hume, suppliers to Wetherspoon’s pub chain, schools and care homes, are being investigated following concerns over food hygiene.

After an unannounced inspection of Russell Hume’s Birmingham site on 12 January 2018, the Food Standards Agency (“FSA”) prevented further meat products from leaving all Russell Hume’s sites. Unused meat products were recalled from Russell Hume’s customers.

Following the inspection, Russell Hume stated the product recall was a “precautionary measure” due to mislabelling, adding that they had “no reason to believe that the product was unsafe to eat”. 

However, the FSA released a statement explaining that they had become “aware of instances of serious non-compliance with food hygiene regulations”, following which, investigations of all Russell Hume sites and UK storage units were conducted.

In a subsequent statement, the FSA stated that “Russell Hume were unable to demonstrate compliance with food hygiene rules” and their investigations were continuing.

George Green’s Regulatory and Licensing Partner, James Lowe, stated that: “Regulators have the power to inspect premises operated by food businesses and, if breaches of food hygiene regulations are identified, they can commence an investigation which may lead to prosecution. Convictions for food hygiene offences can result in substantial fines”.

If you or your business are faced with an investigation for breaching food safety or food hygiene regulations, call our specialist Regulatory and Licensing Partner, James Lowe, on 07833 240400 for advice and assistance.