Tonne of pork seized at Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk

In a joint operation with Border Force, Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority (SCPHA) has searched traffic entering the ports at Felixstowe and Harwich. 

Pork that doesn't meet new EU standards set by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs was seized. 

A smuggled boar leg identified and seized by SCPHA from a vehicle (Image: Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority)

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs with potentially devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy.

Mark, team leader at SCPHA, said: “In just one week around Christmas, our team of 11 were able to identify, inspect and seize more than 300kg of pork that did not comply with the new controls.

"Since our operation began in November, we have confiscated one tonne in total. 

“We are pleased our joint operation with Border Force has already made an impact in reducing the chances of an ASF outbreak in Britain.

“We use our expertise in food security and public health to search vehicles, trailers and freight flagged by Border Force that could be carrying pork and identify the risks. 

Loose pork products seized from a vehicle by SCPHA (Image: Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority)

“We confiscate any pork we find that does not meet the new standards, as well as other meats that cannot be identified, and are pleased to say the majority of confiscated pork to date has been surrendered voluntarily.”  

The team also discovered parasites that pose as fish tounges at the Port of Felixstowe in June last year. 

Hannah Panting, operations manager at SCPHA, said: “Our teams have done a fantastic job in protecting Britain from the significant damage an ASF outbreak could cause the farming economy. 

“We look forward to continuing the success of this operation and strengthening our cooperation with Border Force across 2023 and 2024.”