This week the UK moved one step closer to the EU recognising our official BSE Negligible Risk status following the WOAH’s recognition earlier this year.
We’ve now received official confirmation that all EU Member States voted in favour of recognising this status at the PAFF Committee meeting on 20th October. But there’s still one more step before UK processors can take full advantage of the trade this will re-open for us. The EU must first amend its regulations and then publish the decision in the Official Journal. Once published, the decision will take immediate effect and be formally addressed to both the Member States and the UK.
This 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.
We estimate publication to take place around late November, as this process typically takes 5 to 7 weeks. In the mean time, members will have to continue to work under the current, more restrictive rules.
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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