MPI investigates potential unregulated meat sales

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is investigating an alleged unregulated meat premises.

The agency said it executed a search warrant after a six month undercover operation involving the purchase of venison, lamb and pork products from a Turangi man.

The man is being spoken to by the New Zealand-based authority and the investigation is ongoing.

Gary Orr, MPI compliance operations manager, said a decision will be made as to whether charges will be laid under the Animal Products Act.

“Food of animal origin presents one of the foremost risks to the health and well-being of humans because animals can unwittingly transfer diseases and chemical residues to humans and other animals.

"The trade of unregulated meat is a risk because there's no basis for the consumer to know whether the necessary hygiene and control measures have been in place during processing. This sort of activity poses a very real risk to consumer health."