Hartshead Meats speaks out

A senior spokesperson acting on behalf of Hartshead Meats has issued a detailed statement.

This is following growing public concern surrounding footage circulating online and wider allegations relating to the Mossley based meat processing facility.

The statement comes after significant discussion across social media, national media attention and increasing public debate around animal welfare, food production standards and the treatment of staff connected to the business.

In an exclusive response provided to Not Really Here Media, the company said it wanted to address what it described as “misinformation”, while also condemning threats directed towards employees and members of the local Jewish community.

A spokesperson for Hartshead Meats said:

“We recognise that people may be concerned by footage circulating online which grossly misrepresents what we do and how we do it.

“It has been recorded without consent and selectively edited. As a result, this footage lacks essential context and presents a distorted picture of standard industry working practices.”

The company says it remains fully licensed and regulated by the Food Standards Agency and highlighted its Red Tractor accreditation.

“Hartshead Meats is a fully licensed meat processing facility that has operated for more than 20 years under the authorisation and constant daily supervision of the Food Standards Agency.”

The spokesperson also claimed the business had become the target of a wider activist campaign.

“This is part of a concerted attempt by anti meat activists to disrupt an independent, family run business, which is a valuable community employer that supports the livelihood of dozens of local families.”

The company further expressed concern over online commentary it says had crossed the line into antisemitic abuse and threats.

“While we recognise that people may hold strong opinions on meat production, we are especially concerned that some of the commentary directed at our business has been tainted by antisemitic language and resulted in threats to the Jewish community, which we condemn absolutely.”

The statement also confirmed that threats against staff and families had been reported to police.

“Animal welfare is fundamental to our work, and we are concerned that misinformation about our business has led to our team and families receiving violent threats which have caused a great deal of distress.”

The spokesperson added:

“We will continue to ensure high standards of animal welfare as we provide compliant and high-quality meat processing services for our customers.”

Not Really Here Media understands that regulatory authorities are aware of the footage circulating online and that the story continues to attract widespread public attention.

As part of our ongoing reporting, we have also asked further questions regarding inspection procedures, staff welfare, operational processes and the company’s response to concerns raised publicly in recent days.

We will continue to report developments responsibly and fairly as more information becomes available.