A WARNING has been issued about unsafe meat being sold on Facebook.

Horsham District Council is alerting businesses and the public after reports of beef, lamb, veal and goat being sold illegally on the social media site.

The meat has been processed in an unregistered and unapproved establishment in the Wiltshire area, leaving the products unsafe for consumption, the council said.

The meat has been advertised under the brand names Ushqime Organike, Bio UK, Ushqime BIO UK, Ushqime BIO and Wiltshire Farm Products.

Cllr Tricia Youtan said: "People selling unregulated food in this manner are putting the health of the general public at risk, as it is unlikely they would meet the required food and safety standards.

“The rules around the production and selling of food are strict for a reason. I would urge residents to be wary of these types of sellers as the adverse health effects could be very serious.”

The council said it is unclear if any of the meat has been bought locally, but it is understood to have been distributed across England.

Anyone who believes they may have purchased unsafe meat before January 15 is advised not to consume it, but to wrap it securely in the fridge and contact the council’s Environmental Health and Licensing team for further advice, on 01403 215 100.