British Lamb Shipment Cleared to Return After French Border Hold

A substantial consignment of British lamb that had been held at the Calais Border Control Post in France has now been authorised to return to the UK, easing acute pressure on exporters after days of uncertainty.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) confirmed the decision follows negotiations between the UK’s chief veterinary officer and French authorities.

Several refrigerated lorries carrying UK-produced lamb were stopped earlier in the week by French border inspectors amid concerns about traces of wool on individual carcasses, despite the meat having been certified as fit for human consumption by UK officials. Initial instructions from the French veterinary control service had been for the product to be destroyed locally, raising alarm among processors and hauliers over potential losses.