Ewes’ carcasses unfit for human consumption discovered in Dalston’s Ridley Road Market

Ewes’ carcasses were destroyed and a mouse-infested store was shut down following routine inspections by Hackney Council’s environmental health officers in and around Ridley Road Market, in a drive to stamp out the illegal meat trade and counter food fraud.

On Thursday July 11, 14 food businesses ranging from butchers to grocery shops were inspected by Hackney Council’s environmental health team.

Officers carried out thorough audits for traceability and “fitness” of food for human consumption, resulting in the disposal of the sheep carcasses.

Council officers are now working with colleagues in a neighbouring borough and the Food Standards Agency to discover how the meat was passed for retail sale.

A food store selling rice, bread and grains closed voluntarily because of a mouse infestation.

It has now reopened following a deep clean and pest treatments being carried out, including knockdown treatments and baiting.

Officers seized illegal and damaged foods including rice, ground products such as flour and different types of dried fish like salt fish, dried shrimps and grains.

A butchers shop was given 24 hours to thoroughly clean their storage area and remove a number of domestic animals, which have now been taken in by a local shelter.

The team has planned further checks of the businesses.