During a hearing at the Bromley Magistrates' Court on 18/12, London health inspectors stated that in 2023, their staff inspected the Vietnamese restaurant Pho Na on Old Kent Road, Southwark, London, and found a piece of meat labeled "wrapped goat".
The inspectors sent the meat sample for analysis, which confirmed it was dog meat. They also found rat droppings and live and dead cockroaches in the restaurant. This led them to take legal action against the restaurant for alleged food safety and hygiene violations.
While dog meat isn't illegal in the UK, food safety and business regulations effectively prevent its sale. Although no law prohibits dog meat consumption, the UK government maintains that selling it for human consumption is unlawful.
During the hearing, the lawyer representing 47-year-old Vuong Quoc Nguyen, the restaurant owner, explained that the meat was supplied by a third party and "not intended for human consumption." Nguyen also claimed to be unaware that the "goat meat" was actually dog meat.
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Pho Na restaurant on Old Kent Road, Southwark, London, closed after the inspection. Photo: Sun |
Pho Na restaurant on Old Kent Road, Southwark, London, closed after the inspection. Photo: Sun
Following the health inspection, Nguyen hired pest control services to address the issues at the restaurant, his lawyer added.
The Bromley Magistrates' Court will commence the trial on 18/12.
Local authorities in Lewisham confirmed they recommended prosecution for food safety violations following the discovery of the issues at Pho Na, but didn't request its closure.
Pho Na subsequently changed ownership without official intervention. Photos taken by British media show the restaurant has ceased operations, its shutters covered in graffiti. On Google, Pho Na, previously rated 4.6 stars, is now listed as "permanently closed".
Duc Trung (Sun, IBC UK)
