Jamie Oliver Group switches meat suppliers after food hygiene investigation

Russell Hume, which also supplies JD Wetherspoon and Tiger Tiger, has withdrawn its products after the FSA became aware of instances of ‘serious non-compliance with food hygiene regulations’ following a surprise inspection of its Birmingham site on 12 January.

The FSA has also stopped distribution of all Russell Hume products, though there is no indication people have become ill from eating the meat.

A spokeswoman for the Jamie Oliver Group told BigHospitality​ some steaks and chicken had been taken off the menu on Monday as a precaution, but had returned the following day after the company switched to a new supplier.

She added that the group was ‘confident’ no meat served in its restaurants would have been affected as it runs its own independent audits of all its suppliers.

“All Russell Hume meat was removed from restaurants as soon as we were notified on Monday,” the spokeswoman said.

“This was a day before the FSA asked for meat to be removed.  We also switched suppliers. 

“We have very strict higher welfare and food standards and to ensure our suppliers uphold these standards, we have an independent team that audits all our key suppliers, including meat.  

“Following an inspection at the end of last year and the fact we have full traceability on our meat, we are confident that none of the meat we buy would have been impacted.”

JD Wetherspoon also withdrew sirloin, rump and gammon steak from its menus on its Tuesday Steak Club night earlier this week.

The FSA said Russell Hume was cooperating with its ongoing investigation.