Shops in East London Sell Rat Meat for Human Consumption

For the most part, people talking about illegal markets think of drugs, various animal parts, and other similar items. 

However, one recent investigation made by the BBC has revealed that several shops in East London, UK, are actively involved in a so-called illegal meat trade, meaning that they provide various consumers with “delicacies” that pose significant threats to the country's public health.

As Daily Mail explains, six butchers carrying on with their business in said part of London sell foods such as charred sheep skins (i.e. “smokies”) and dead rats.

Oddly enough, if these people go through the trouble of bringing such peculiar nutrient sources on the market, this means that there are certain individuals who do not shy away from giving them a try.

Personal preferences in terms of food aside, what worries British authorities is the fact that these illicit meats are not cleared for human consumption in this country, meaning that their being sold in this illegal manner can eventually contaminate the country's entire food chain.

Commenting on the findings of this undercover investigation, Paul Povey, presently working with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, said that, “I am just so shocked. It's all illegal and hasn't undergone health control, hasn't been inspected and may well be contaminated.”

“Behind the illicit trade in smokies are criminals who don’t observe the law and are just after financial gain. It is disgusting and outrageous that the local authorities don’t take action and remove this meat from the human food chain,” argued one other health advocate.

Although one has full rights to decide over what his/her diet consists of, the fact remains that such delicacies are outlawed both in the UK and in the EU for one very good reason: their consumption by humans stands to bring about serious health conditions.

The same source informs us that the country's state and local authorities are to soon set in motion their own investigation concerning East London's illegal meat market.