Public health officials have ordered “unsafe” meat supplied by a Kent butchers’ to be removed from the market.

Restaurants, cafes and hotels are being warned about beef, pork and chicken products supplied by Block and Cleaver in Swanley.

The Food Standards Agency fears the items, which have been distributed to businesses in London and the south-east, were not prepared in line with food safety and hygiene legislative requirements

It says they may have incorrect use-by dates, are subject to traceability breaches and may not have been made following food safety processes.

It has alerted Environmental Health and Trading Standards to take action to remove meat and meat products from distribution.

The FSA said in a statement: “These products should not be eaten.

“We are asking food businesses such as restaurants, cafes and hotels to withdraw from sale any meat or meat products supplied by Block and Cleaver because they are unsafe to eat. Products should be disposed of safely.

“We are also asking food businesses who have sold meat or meat products at retail, directly to consumers, to undertake product recalls and inform their local authority, who are in turn requested to inform the FSA.”

Impacted items are beef and beef products with use-by dates up to and including June 21, 2024, and pork and chicken, and meat products with use-by dates up to and including June 22, 2024.

Block and Cleaver has been contacted for comment.