Meat processing firm Freeza Meats has been fined nearly GBP114,000 (US$178,307) after it was found guilty for falsely labelling beef products and halal meats.
The company, which no longer trades, was at the centre of a horsemeat scandal in 2013. Court action was brought against it by Newry Mourne and Down District Council following a lengthy investigation supported by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland.
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It was charged with 12 offences including substitution of meat ingredients with a cheaper product such as hearts and not declaring it on the label; obstruction of authorised officers by knowingly providing false and misleading documents and misdescription of product as halal when non-halal ingredients were used.
Maria Jennings, Director of the FSA in NI, said: "Consumers deserve to know that the food they buy is what it says it is. Firm action is being taken by district councils against businesses committing food fraud and we welcome the decision by Newry Magistrate’s Court to penalise Freeza Meats Ltd for these offences.
"The result is a real victory for consumers, it shows that enforcement procedures work and sends out a strong message to any food business that is tempted to commit fraud. Any food business found to be undertaking fraudulent practices will be subject to rigorous investigation, including the seizing and interrogation of all evidence."
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