Abattoir Ordered to Pay More Than £60,000 for Obstructing Hygiene Inspectors From Entering the Premises

Yorkshire Abattoir Services Limited, based near Wakefield, has been prosecuted for obstructing Food Standards Agency (FSA) officers during routine hygiene inspections. The company pleaded guilty to three offences of deliberately preventing inspectors from accessing their site in March and June 2024.

FSA inspections are a legal requirement designed to ensure that food is produced safely and hygienically. Blocking or delaying these checks is a serious offence that undermines food safety and consumer trust.

At a sentencing hearing at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on 28 April, the defendant was fined £46,800, with an additional £14,000 in prosecution costs and a £2,000 statutory surcharge — bringing the total to £62,800, to be paid within three months.

This case highlights the importance of not just meeting regulatory requirements, but actively supporting food safety at every stage of production.

Regulators expect compliance. Customers expect safety. We help you deliver both.

We supply a wide range of hygiene products - including food-safe sanitisers and disinfectants - that meet strict regulatory standards and are tested to recognised EN certifications, such as EN 1276, confirming their proven bactericidal performance.

To support your audit trail and reassure regulators, we also provide microbiological lab reports for products, demonstrating their efficacy. These reports can be shared directly with inspectors during FSA visits, giving your team added confidence during regulatory checks.

With proven products and trusted documentation, we help you stay compliant, inspection-ready, and committed to the highest food safety standards.