Rotten Meat Scam Lands Two Men in Jail
Two men have been jailed in London after trying to sell nearly two tonnes of rotten meat, originally meant for pet food, to unsuspecting shoppers.
A Smelly Discovery
It started with a bad smell. Residents in Walworth, south London, complained about the stench of rotting meat drifting from a shop. When officials went to check, they uncovered something shocking: piles of raw chicken, lamb’s testicles, and beef burgers—stored in filthy conditions and being cut up for sale.
Meant for Pets, Not People
The meat wasn’t just old—it was never supposed to be eaten by humans in the first place. It was classified as animal by-products, destined for pet food or disposal. Instead, it was secretly prepared to be sold to the public.
Who Was Behind It?
Investigators traced the meat back to Anthony Fear, 63, who ran a company in Somerset. He supplied it to Azar Irshad, 40, who ran the illegal cutting room in south London.
Fear was sentenced to 42 months in jail and banned from running a business for six years.
Irshad was jailed for 35 months and banned from working with food.
Two others involved got suspended sentences.
A judge called the shop “disgustingly filthy” and said the crime was driven by “pure greed.”
Why This Matters
Food crime like this isn’t just gross—it’s dangerous. Meat that is unsafe for humans can carry bacteria and cause serious illness. Officials say shoppers should be able to trust that the food on their plate is safe.
Final Word
This case shows how greed can put public health at risk. Thanks to complaints from locals and quick work from Trading Standards, the scam was stopped before more tainted meat reached dinner tables.
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