Millions of pounds worth of fake food and drink seized in UK raids – Highland Bay Seafoods responds

Recent UK raids saw millions of pounds of food seized in the United Kingdom

Leading Scottish seafood supplier, Highland Bay Seafoods, has responded to news that millions of pounds of fake food have been seized in the UK as part of a worldwide campaign against illegal goods.

As reported by Food Manufacture, the IPO (Intellectual Property Office) are set to announce that they’ve helped to seize millions of pounds of fake food products as part of an internationally-collaborated crackdown known as Operation Opson III.

A statement from Europol, the EU’s law enforcement arm that deals with criminal intelligence, said that the bulk of food seized – more than half of the 1,200 ton that was impounded – was in the fish and seafood category. In all, 685t of seafood was impounded worldwide and 96 people were detained or arrested as part of the crackdown.

Head of Interpol’s Trafficking in Illicit Goods and Counterfeiting unit, Michael Ellis, said:

“Most people would be surprised at the everyday foods and drink which are being counterfeited, and the volume of seizures shows that this is a serious global problem.

“Interpol is committed to turning back this threat to public health and safety by organised criminal networks which are making millions in profits which can then be channelled into other illicit activity such as human and drug trafficking.”

Highland Bay Seafoods, one of Scotland’s biggest sellers of fresh, quality seafood, often comment on seafood news. A spokeswoman for the family run company said that the massive haul of illegal goods is proof that shoppers must be more careful when shopping:

“It’s great to hear that Interpol has impounded thousands of tons of fake food items but it just goes to show that, especially with seafood, there is a very real risk that you could end up with fake food items that are not only low in quality but are a real threat to your life if you aren’t careful.

“It underlines perfectly just how important it is to source fish and seafood from a quality, trusted supplier.”

Highland Bay Seafoods has been providing fresh seafood in Scotland and around the world for individual and commercial customers alike for decades. Their spokeswoman continued:

“If you need fresh seafood there is no better place to get it than Highland Bay Seafoods. Whether you’re shopping for fish, crabs, lobster or prawns, we can help.

“We’ve been selling our fish food in Scotland and around the world for many years. Our shoppers love us because we provide seafood of the highest standard. It’s easy to make healthy, mouth watering dishes when you shop with Highland Bay Seafoods.”

Visit Highland Bay Seafoods at www.highlandbayseafoods.co.uk to shop for fresh Scottish seafood today.

For quotes contact James Eckersley on 0844 397 0044.