This week the FSA announced a further public consultation on their proposal to offer a 90% discount on official inspection charges to small abattoirs processing up to 1000 livestock units per year.
The BMPA recognises the important role that small abattoirs play in shorter, local supply chains, so we welcome the proposed rebate, which will provide much‑needed support to these businesses.
However, Nick Allen, CEO of BMPA has voiced concerns for the wider industry: “we are deeply concerned by the plan to remove any rebate from larger abattoirs. Although few in number, these plants process around 90 percent of the meat consumed in the UK, so the loss of the rebate, combined with a proposed 24 percent increase in charges from today’s levels (due to come in on 1 April this year) will inevitably feed through into higher food prices for consumers.”
He added: “If these proposals are to proceed, it becomes even more critical that the FSA delivers official controls as efficiently and cost‑effectively as possible, particularly given that UK businesses already face some of the highest costs for official controls in Europe.”
We’ve written on this topic before and subscribers will be aware of the judicial review currently underway which we hope will bring much needed transparency and scrutiny to the FSA Official Controls charges.
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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