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Man sentenced following NFCU joint investigation into food safety and ‘smokies’ offences
Following an investigation by National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) part of the FSA (Food Standard Agency) and Redbridge Council, a man received a suspended sentence.
Arfan Sultan from Ilford was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday 14 November 2025.
Sultan had previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 250 hours of unpaid community work to be completed in the next 12 months and £3000 costs.
Mr Sultan pleaded guilty to eight offences under Regulation 19 of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.
Smokies are illegally slaughtered sheep, rams or goats, and the smoky flavour comes from subjecting the skin to high temperatures.
“The sentence handed down to Mr Sultan reflects the serious nature of these offences. The NFCU, in partnership with police and Redbridge Council, have been working on an investigation into food hygiene related offences, and illegal slaughter of sheep and goats. By working closely with our partners we were able to remove a large quantity of unfit meat from the human food chain.
Because of the way they are made, smokies breach food safety law, and often animal welfare legislation so if you suspect that smokie meat is being sold, contact your local Trading Standards.
We’d urge anyone who has suspicions or concerns about smokies or food fraud to discuss it with us confidentially on 0800 028 1180.”