The Food Standards Agency's National Food Crime Unit took part in a multi-agency day of action in Leicester targeting the illegal online sale of smokies, according to a report published on 29 September 2026. Leicestershire Police, the East Midlands Special Operations Unit's Disruption Team and the local authority joined the operation. A 38-year-old Leicester-based man was arrested over the sale of smokies via online platforms and released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Smokies are skin-on sheep or goat meat produced by singeing the fleece off the unskinned carcass. Their production is illegal in the UK because smokies do not comply with hygiene requirements for meat or food preparation.

Neil Castle, Deputy Head at the FSA's NFCU, said the unit had investigated food safety offences and alleged online selling with police and council officers, and that 158kg of unidentified meat was removed and safely disposed of. He noted that smokies made in the traditional way may carry food safety risks and may involve slaughter methods that do not meet animal welfare legislation.