The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has warned that Defra’s proposals to phase out CO₂ stunning of pigs could undermine British food security.
BMPA supports the highest standards of animal welfare but says Defra is proposing a major change without first establishing whether viable alternatives exist that can deliver better welfare outcomes while maintaining the capacity of Britain’s pig processing industry.
John Powell, Chief Executive of BMPA, said:
“We fully support improving animal welfare, but Defra should have commissioned the necessary research before launching this consultation. At present, there is no proven, commercially viable alternative to CO₂ that can maintain the throughput required by British pig processors and the supply demanded by British consumers.
“Without a viable alternative to CO₂, we risk reducing domestic processing capacity, undermining British pig farming and becoming more reliant on imported pork from countries that continue to use CO₂ as a tried and tested method of stunning. At a time when food security is already under pressure, that would be deeply irresponsible.”
To underline that last point, Mr Powell went on to say:
“We are surprised that the Government has launched this consultation now, as we are so close to an SPS agreement with the EU, which will dramatically improve our competitiveness. The EU is not currently proposing a similar ban so, If a ban on CO₂ is introduced in the UK, it will dramatically decrease our competitiveness.”
BMPA also challenges the suggestion that CO₂ supply concerns justify the proposed phase-out. Despite modest price increases linked to the Iran conflict, supply to the sector has not been disrupted, and CO₂ represents a relatively small proportion of food production costs.
Mr Powell added:
“We need a whole-pathway assessment of the welfare, economic and practical consequences before any decisions are made. If research identifies a genuinely better and commercially viable alternative, industry will need a realistic transition period to invest and adapt.
“Until then, phasing out CO₂ is neither practical nor responsible. We cannot afford to gamble with animal welfare or Britain’s food security.”
We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers
We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.
We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.
We are the voice of the British meat industry.
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