Authorities Foil Smuggling of 12 Tons of Unsafe Meat at Ashdod Port

Jerusalem, 22 July, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israeli authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle more than 12 tons of unfit beef and pork fat into the country, falsely declared as cosmetics-grade lard. The animal products, valued at over NIS 1 million ($300,000), originated from a Polish facility not approved for export to Israel and posed a potential health risk. Investigators say a 30-year-old customs agent and accomplices used false documents to disguise the shipment’s true purpose.

Customs agent and inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture seized the container at Ashdod Port.