From 30 December 2024 it will be unlawful for all large companies with over 250 employees to place products onto the EU market (which in this instance includes Northern Ireland) that involve deforestation in their supply chain. Shipments of meat, frozen food, ready meals and other products going into grocery, hospitality and food service could be blocked or confiscated and a fine of up to 4% of annual EU turnover levied on businesses that fall foul of the new rule.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will mandate a due diligence statement that must include evidence of a risk assessment and risk mitigation. Lawyers from international law firm Fieldfisher have written an article outlining the steps that food manufacturers should take to prepare. These include conducting a scoping assessment to identify affected commodities, establishing robust data collection systems, ensuring contractual safeguards, screening suppliers rigorously, and forecasting stock needs.
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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