A meat wholesaler which supplies the likes of Wetherspoon and Jamie's Italian is being investigated over food hygiene concerns.
It follows an unannounced inspection of Russell Hume’s Birmingham site on 12 January by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) over instances of serious non-compliance with food hygiene regulations.
This has led the FSA to investigate all Russell Hume sites, and other locations where their product is stored, in England, Scotland and Wales.
Russell Hume were unable to demonstrate compliance with food hygiene rules at its locations, so the FSA have stopped any product from leaving their sites until the business can provide assurances that they are complying with the relevant legislation, and that they are producing safe food.
Russell Hume has also been instructed to undertake a withdrawal of all affected product in the supply chain.
This has led Wetherspoon pubs to remove steak from the menu on their weekly steak night.
However, there is no indication that people have become ill from eating meat supplied by Russell Hume, the FSA stressed.
But the agency are concerned about the poor practices in place at their premises, and are continuing to assess the situation.
Distribution of meat from Russell Hume is to a range of outlets, including hospitality and catering businesses, and care homes and schools.
All unused meat supplied by Russell Hume has been withdrawn from the businesses that they supply until they can provide assurances. Investigations are ongoing.
