Food Standards Agency expands 2 Sisters investigation
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have expanded their ongoing investigation into practices at 2 Sisters Food Group to include two additional poultry plants.
In a newly released statement, FSS said: “Food Standards Scotland continues to work closely with the Food Standards Agency in relation to the ongoing investigation into the 2 Sisters Food Group. We are aware that following an initial inspection of 2 Sisters Food Group’s West Bromwich plant, the Food Standards Agency has extended its investigations to two more 2 Sisters poultry plants in England and Wales.”
At this time, Food Standards Scotland states it has no evidence to suggest that there are any food safety concerns in the 2 Sisters poultry plant in Coupar Angus.
A 2 Sisters Food Group promotional image.
Food Standards Scotland’s director of operations, Ian McWatt, commented: “It’s paramount that our food industry is producing food that’s safe to eat. Food Standards Scotland conducts regular – and often unannounced – inspections at abattoirs and cutting plants in Scotland to ensure that they have controls in place to maintain the highest standard of food safety.”
He continued: “We last audited the Coupar Angus 2 Sisters premises in July this year and this audit showed that the plant had adequate controls in place to ensure that the poultry is being processed safely and is correctly labelled for the food chain.
“Following the staff and stock issues identified this week at the 2 Sisters Plant in England, Food Standards Scotland is working closely with the Food Standards Agency and will increase the level of our unannounced inspections programme in Scotland as a precautionary measure. If evidence shows controls are not satisfactory, we will – and do – take action.”
In order to tackle food fraud, Food Standards Scotland urges anyone – whether a member of the public or working in industry – to be vigilant and report suspicions to the free Scottish Food Crime Hotline on 0800 028 7926. It’s operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is completely confidential and anonymous.
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