Investigations are ongoing by Food Standards Scotland at all Russell Hume sites across Britain after an unannounced inspection on 12 January found the firm was unable to demonstrate compliance with food hygiene rules.

This has led to Food Standards Scotland stopping any product from leaving the company’s sites until it can provide assurances that it is complying with the relevant legislation, and that it is producing safe food.

Russell Hume has also been instructed to withdraw all affected product in the supply chain. The firm supplies well-known restaurants such as Wetherspoon and Jamie’s Italian.

There is no indication that people have become ill from eating meat supplied by Russell Hume, but in a statement Food Standards Scotland said it is concerned about the poor practices in place at the company’s premises.

“That is why we have taken proportionate action to ensure no meat can leave their sites at present. We are continuing to assess the situation,” the statement said.

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All unused meat supplied by Russell Hume has been withdrawn from the businesses that it supplies until it can provide assurances. The company is co-operating with the investigation and is currently reviewing its procedures and retraining its staff.

More to follow