A meat wholesaler which has its headquarters in Derbyshire and supplies some of its steak to Wetherspoon is being investigated after a product recall which affected the chain's regular steak night.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that it has launched a probe into meat wholesaler Russell Hume, which has its head office in Pinnacle Way, on Pride Park, in Derby, over non-compliance with hygiene regulations.

Pub chain Wetherspoon, which receives some of its meat from Russell Hume, was forced to cut steak from its menu earlier this week due to a product recall which affected its steak night on Tuesday.

The FSA has now revealed that is investigating Russell Hume, which has sites across the UK.

It said it had become aware of instances of “serious non-compliance with food hygiene regulations” at the business on January 12, which led to inspectors investigating all sites.

The FSA said in a statement: “Following an unannounced inspection of Russell Hume’s Birmingham site on January 12, we became aware of instances of serious non-compliance with food hygiene regulations.

“This has led us and Food Standards Scotland to investigate all Russell Hume sites, and other locations where their product is stored, in England, Scotland and Wales.

“Russell Hume were unable to demonstrate compliance with food hygiene rules at its locations, so we have stopped any product from leaving their sites until the business can provide assurances that they are complying with the relevant legislation, and that they are producing safe food.

“All unused meat supplied by Russell Hume has been withdrawn from the businesses that they supply until they can provide assurances. The company is co-operating with our investigation and is currently reviewing its procedures and retraining its staff. Our investigations are ongoing.”

The FSA said that there was no indication that people had become ill from eating meat supplied by the firm.

It added: “However, we are concerned about the poor practices in place at their premises so that is why we have taken proportionate action to ensure no meat can leave their sites at present. We are continuing to assess the situation.”

The FSA said Russell Hume distributed meat to a range of outlets, including hospitality and catering businesses and care homes and schools.

As well as Wetherspoon, other businesses Russell Hume supplies to includes Jamie’s Italian, Tiger Tiger, Marston’s pubs and Butlins.

In a statement, Russell Hume said: “The product recall was a precautionary measure because of mislabelling. We have no reason to believe that the product was unsafe to eat.”

Wetherspoon's has pubs in Burton, Swadlincote and Uttoxeter.