The British meat industry has called on the Government to urgently intervene and unlock a trade opportunity with the European Union that will net millions in export revenue and improve the competitiveness of UK producers.

The UK has now officially been granted “BSE Negligible Risk” status by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) which, once formally recognised by the EU, will open up export opportunities to key European markets for high-value products such as oxtail, bones, and mechanically separated meat, which are in strong demand across the continent but not widely consumed in Britain.

As an example, one by-product alone (mesenteric fat) could bring in around an extra £10 million a year once we are able to sell into the EU. Currently it’s treated as a waste product which companies must pay to have incinerated.

The EU’s timetable for reviewing our status looks to be around 6 months plus. But, as we’ve been told by our contacts in Europe, an earlier request directly from the UK government would be assessed “without delay” and allow UK firms to start reaping the benefits much sooner.

BMPA has written to Food and Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner urging him to escalate the matter directly with counterparts in Brussels. It would be a quick and easy ‘win’ for the Government and requires a simple request to be submitted so the EU can assess and grant formal recognition of negligible risk status.