A Lincolnshire turkey farm that supplies birds to Harrods has been suspended from a food standards assurance scheme after undercover footage allegedly showed animal welfare breaches. The footage, captured by the Green Britain Foundation, shows staff throwing turkeys and one worker urinating in a pen.
Hockenhull Turkeys, based in Spilsby, rears birds before sending them to other farms, including one that supplies Harrods. The luxury store sells the turkeys for up to £170 each during the Christmas period.
The video also reveals workers failing to follow biosecurity rules, such as moving between sheds without changing boots or using foot dips. Red Tractor, the farm assurance scheme, has suspended Hockenhull's certification pending an independent investigation.
A Hockenhull spokesperson said the company was 'appalled' and acknowledged failing to meet expected standards. Harrods confirmed it does not have a direct relationship with Hockenhull but is 'urgently investigating' whether its supplier breached standards.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is also investigating. Dale Vince, trustee of the Green Britain Foundation, called for Harrods to suspend supplies from Hockenhull and launch an independent inquiry.
