Watchdog clears Bernard Matthews plant

The Bernard Matthews plant at the centre of the bird flu outbreak will not face prosecution by the Food Standards Agency.

Investigators looking into possible failings at the site in Holton, Suffolk, found "insufficient evidence" for legal action.

The FSA probe was focused on food waste storage at the Bernard Matthews plant.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs report published in February listed a catalogue of failings at the turkey plant.

Inspectors saw gulls feeding on meat scraps left in uncovered waste bins and polythene bags used for meat products left in open bins.

But the Food Standards Agency today said its probe had found "no evidence" that the firm breached animal by-product or food hygiene laws.

The watchdog said in a statement: "We have carefully scrutinised and considered the evidence in this case and concluded there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

"Accordingly, we have decided not to proceed to a prosecution in this case."

The FSA said its decision followed a thorough examination into possible problems with food waste storage at the Bernard Matthews site.

Defra said the FSA had been investigating Bernard Matthews on its behalf.

There are no outstanding inquiries into the turkey firm which could lead to a prosecution, a Defra spokeswoman said.

The FSA's investigation focused on possible breaches of Animal By-Products Regulations 2005, Animal By-Products (Identification) Regulations 1995 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2006.

Defra expects its own scientific investigation into the bird flu outbreak to conclude after Easter.

But that probe will not lead to any legal action, spokeswoman added.

The H5N1 outbreak at the turkey plant prompted a cull of 159,000 birds.