FSA to extend 2 Sisters investigation after finding no evidence at West Midlands plant

The FSA said it is "disappointed" that ITN and the Guardian have not yet provided the information that they committed to share
The FSA said it is "disappointed" that ITN and the Guardian have not yet provided the information that they committed to share

The Food Standards Agency has decided to extend its investigations to other 2 Sisters poultry plants in England and Wales, after finding no food safety issues at its West Midlands plant.

This follows an initial inspection by the FSA, working with the local authority, into the food hygiene and labelling concerns raised by ITN and the Guardian on 28 September at the 2 Sisters Food Group’s West Bromwich plant.

This inspection has not identified food safety issues on these premises, but it highlighted issues requiring management attention, for example in relation to some aspects of staff training and stock control.

The FSA said it is working with the major retailers supplied by 2 Sisters, as well as reviewing information from various other sources.

It will now widen its investigation into 2 Sisters to a further 11 poultry processing plants operated by the company.

The FSA has also written formally to ITN and the Guardian to request the full evidence taken by their undercover investigation, such as the footage taken and witness interview transcripts to assist its investigation.

Heather Hancock, Chairman of the Food Standards Agency said: "Consumers deserve food they can trust, and can be reassured that we take allegations of poor practice very seriously.

"Although our initial inspection found no risk to public health, we are broadening our investigations until we are satisfied that this is truly the case.

"I’m disappointed that ITN and the Guardian have not yet provided the information that they committed to share and I would urge anyone who has evidence to share to bring it directly to us."

The joint investigation, by ITV and the Guardian, claims to have filmed workers picking up chicken meat from the floor and repackaging it.

Supermarkets have been warned they may be selling chicken past its use by date.