A Vietnamese restaurant owner in South London has denied knowing that meat labelled as “goat wrapped in leaves” was actually dog meat, a court has heard, as he faces multiple food safety charges following a shocking discovery by health inspectors.
Vuong Quoc Nguyen, 47, appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded not guilty to multiple food safety and hygiene offences after inspectors found what tests confirmed to be dog meat at his Pho Na restaurant on Old Kent Road, Southwark. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the local community, where the now-closed establishment previously held a 4.6-star rating on Google.
Health inspectors made the grim discovery during a routine inspection when they found meat labelled as “goat wrapped in leaves” in the restaurant’s freezer. Laboratory analysis subsequently revealed the meat was from dogs, prompting immediate legal action. The court heard that inspectors also uncovered severe hygiene violations, including mouse droppings and both live and dead cockroaches throughout the premises.
Defence solicitor Piers Kiss-Wilson told the court his client “had no idea the so-called goat was actually dog meat,” insisting the product was supplied by someone else and was not intended for human consumption. The lawyer added that Nguyen had attempted to address the hygiene issues by bringing in pest control services.
“My client maintains he was completely unaware of the true nature of the meat product,” Kiss-Wilson stated. “He believed it to be goat meat as labelled and it was never his intention to serve this to customers.”
The case highlights the complex legal situation surrounding dog meat in the UK. Whilst the commercial sale and slaughter of dogs for meat is illegal under strict food hygiene regulations, the personal consumption of dog meat remains technically legal, creating what campaigners describe as a concerning loophole.
Dr Sarah Mills, a food safety expert at the University of London, explained: “UK food hygiene laws make it impossible to legally slaughter dogs for commercial purposes or sell dog meat in restaurants. Any establishment serving meat must source it from licensed abattoirs that follow strict regulations, and dogs are not included in the list of animals that can be processed for human consumption.”
The discovery has reignited debates about strengthening UK laws around dog meat consumption. Currently, whilst commercial trade is banned, campaigners including MPs and animal welfare organisations have called for explicit legislation making all consumption illegal, as exists in countries including the United States, Germany, and Austria.
Local resident James Thompson, who previously dined at the restaurant, expressed his shock: “I’m absolutely horrified. You assume when you eat at a restaurant that basic food standards are being followed. The thought that this could have been served is deeply disturbing.”
The case also sheds light on cultural differences around meat consumption. In Vietnam, an estimated five million dogs are killed annually for meat, according to animal welfare organisation Humane Society International. However, the practice faces increasing opposition within Vietnam itself, with major cities like Hanoi urging citizens to stop consuming dog meat due to health concerns and changing social attitudes.
Vietnamese community leader in London, Dr Tran Van Minh, emphasised that dog meat consumption is not representative of the wider Vietnamese community in the UK. “The vast majority of Vietnamese people in Britain are completely opposed to this practice. This appears to be an isolated incident that does not reflect our community’s values or practices here.”
The prosecution comes amid heightened scrutiny of food safety standards in London restaurants. Southwark Council has previously taken action against other establishments on Old Kent Road for hygiene violations, though none have involved discoveries as shocking as this case.
Environmental Health Officer Margaret Davies, speaking about general food safety enforcement, said: “We conduct thousands of inspections annually to ensure public safety. When we find violations, we take them extremely seriously, particularly when they involve prohibited meat products or severe hygiene breaches.”
The restaurant, which specialised in traditional Vietnamese dishes including pho and bánh mì, had been operating for several years before the inspection that led to its closure. Online reviews from before the incident showed it was popular with locals, with many praising its authentic flavours and reasonable prices.
Animal welfare campaigners have seized upon the case to renew calls for stronger legislation. A spokesperson for Four Paws UK stated: “This case demonstrates why we need comprehensive laws explicitly banning all forms of dog meat consumption in the UK. Whilst we’re grateful that commercial sale is already illegal, we believe Britain should join other nations in sending a clear message that dogs are companions, not food.”
The wider context of dog meat consumption globally remains controversial. Whilst common in parts of Asia, the practice faces increasing opposition even in countries where it has traditional roots. South Korea recently passed legislation banning dog meat that will come into effect in 2027, whilst various Chinese cities have removed dog meat from official lists of livestock.
Nguyen’s trial is set to begin on December 18 at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, where he will face multiple charges related to food safety violations. If convicted, he could face substantial fines and potential imprisonment. The case is expected to draw significant public attention given the nature of the allegations.
The incident has also prompted discussions about supply chain transparency in ethnic food establishments. Food industry consultant Robert Chen noted: “This case underscores the importance of rigorous supplier verification and clear labelling throughout the food supply chain, particularly for restaurants serving international cuisines where language barriers might exist.”
Local MP for the area has called for a thorough investigation into how the meat entered the country and the restaurant’s supply chain. Questions remain about whether this was an isolated incident or part of a wider problem that has yet to be uncovered.
As the Vietnamese community in London grapples with the negative publicity from this case, many have emphasised their commitment to UK food standards and laws. Community organisations have offered to work with local authorities to ensure all Vietnamese restaurants understand and comply with British food safety regulations.
The case continues to develop as investigators examine the restaurant’s records and supply chain connections. Authorities have not yet revealed whether they are investigating the supplier who allegedly provided the mislabelled meat to the restaurant.
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