FSA Steps Up Efforts to Modernise Meat Regulation

UK Food Standards Agency Modernises Meat Industry Regulations

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is rolling out several initiatives to modernise its regulatory approach to the meat industry, which contributes £10 billion annually to the UK economy. These efforts aim to uphold high food safety standards and improve efficiency amid growing challenges.

Key Projects and Innovations

One major project is the development of an online self-service portal, currently in testing. This platform will allow meat businesses to access plant-specific data, including inspection results and approvals, in real time, simplifying operations and enhancing regulatory processes. Additionally, the FSA has trialled technology to transfer post-mortem inspection data directly from business systems to the agency, reducing manual intervention and boosting efficiency.

The FSA is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve meat inspection processes. AI tools could detect contamination not visible to the human eye, although these inspections are not yet legally permitted. The FSA views AI as a potential future solution.

International and Domestic Efforts

Internationally, the FSA is advising the UK government on upcoming negotiations with the EU regarding sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls for food exports. The aim is to streamline processes while maintaining high food safety standards and ensuring UK exporters remain competitive.

Domestically, the FSA is addressing a shortage of trained official veterinarians, crucial for meat inspection. Despite efforts to recruit more meat hygiene inspectors, the number of UK-trained veterinarians remains insufficient. The FSA has increasingly relied on veterinarians from other countries, but rising post-Brexit recruitment and visa costs have made this less viable long-term.

Regulatory Costs and Legal Actions

In response to rising regulatory costs, the FSA has announced higher inspection charges for 2025–2026, prompting legal action from some industry groups. The FSA is also reviewing its discount scheme for small businesses, which currently offers significant cost reductions. The outcome of this review will depend on government spending assessments.

Strengthening the National Food Crime Unit

The FSA is enhancing its National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) by granting it new powers to apply for warrants and seize evidence. This will enable the unit to combat food-related crime in complex supply chains more effectively. Recent successes include prosecuting individuals involved in large-scale poultry fraud and falsification of testing certificates.

These initiatives reflect the FSA’s commitment to maintaining high food safety standards and supporting the meat industry’s efficiency and competitiveness in a challenging environment.

Original story: Food & Drink Int

Licence Revoked from Abattoir After Shocking Welfare Violations

Warwickshire Abattoir Loses Licence Following Animal Welfare Investigation

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revoked the operating licence of T&S Abattoir in Arley, Warwickshire, following a thorough investigation into significant animal welfare breaches. The decision comes after covert footage, captured by an animal rights activist last year, surfaced in February, corroborating earlier concerns raised by local residents who had been advocating for the facility’s closure.

While the FSA confirmed that “substantial” action had already been taken at the abattoir prior to the emergence of the footage, the subsequent investigation by an independent panel concluded that T&S Abattoir had failed to prevent serious incidents compromising animal welfare. The FSA stated that this lack of confidence in the abattoir’s ability to ensure “consistent compliance” with animal welfare standards led to the licence revocation.

A spokesperson for the FSA emphasized the seriousness of the findings, stating that the identified breaches would be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for potential legal action.

In a statement released today, the FSA confirmed that T&S Abattoir Ltd, the operating company, has been formally notified of the licence revocation, along with the detailed reasons for the decision and their right to appeal the ruling.

The FSA also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with other relevant authorities. “We are continuing to work with the police who are carrying out their own investigation, as well as the local authority whose responsibilities include enforcing regulations on any environmental impact and any unapproved activities,” the statement read.

Reiterating its commitment to animal welfare, the FSA asserted a firm stance on the issue. “We have a zero-tolerance approach to animal welfare breaches so we will always take the necessary action to protect high animal welfare standards.”

The BBC has reached out to T&S Abattoir Ltd for comment but has yet to receive a response.

This development marks a significant step following long-standing concerns about animal welfare practices at the Arley-based abattoir and underscores the FSA’s commitment to upholding standards within the food industry. The outcome of the police investigation and any potential appeal by T&S Abattoir Ltd will be closely watched.

Original story: BBC News

Great British Beef Week Back for 15th Year

Great British Beef Week, a successful industry campaign that promotes British beef to consumers, returns for its 15th anniversary on St George’s Day, 23 April.

This nationwide campaign, running from 23-30 April, highlights the hard work and dedication of the farmers who produce British beef, while also shining a light on sustainable farming practices and the exceptional taste of British beef.

The campaign was first founded by the Ladies in Beef group, created by former NFU president Minette Batters and Devon beef producer Jilly Greed. Over the years, it has garnered support from various UK levy bodies including AHDB, Hybu Cig Cymru, the Livestock and Meat Commission, and Quality Meat Scotland. Additionally, organizations such as the NFU, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, and Red Tractor have lent their support to the campaign.

As part of this year’s campaign, AHDB is putting the faces behind British beef farming at the heart of the initiative. Baroness Minette Batters emphasized the importance of British beef, stating, “Our farmers produce naturally delicious beef – British beef is not just a staple of our cuisine, it’s a symbol of our hard work and enjoyed by many at home and abroad.”

The campaign aims to celebrate the contributions of British farmers and encourage consumers to appreciate and support locally produced beef. With its focus on sustainability and quality, Great British Beef Week continues to be a significant event in the UK’s agricultural calendar.

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Update

Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap

Key Points

Restocker cattle demand reflects the impact of the rainfall events of the last month.
The National Mutton Indicator continues to recorrect.
National cattle slaughter lifted above 150,000 head for the first time since June 2019.

Australia is heading into a series of public holidays that are expected to disrupt regular operations at saleyards and meat processing plants across the country. Market indicators and processing volumes will be impacted over the upcoming weeks. MLA will continue monitoring the prices and markets and return to regular market commentary once all saleyards are back online.

Upcoming National Public Holidays

Easter: Friday 18 April – Monday 21 April
ANZAC Day: Friday 25 April
Labour Day (Queensland) and May Day (NT): Monday 5 May

A list of affected sales can be found in the article here.

Cattle Market

The mixed results in the cattle market this week were due to the volatility of supply in saleyards. This was caused by interrupted sales, with reduced yardings the week prior.

As the effects of the Queensland and NSW rain are realised in feed, confidence in the market has been reflected in the lifting of the Restocker Yearling Heifer Indicator and Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator. Despite a lift in indicator yardings, both indicators lifted 4¢ last week to 328¢/kg liveweight (lwt) and 401¢/kg lwt, respectively.

Finished animals did not fare well this week, with the Heavy Steer Indicator easing 16¢ to 356¢/kg lwt. This has further separated the gap between the steer indicators as the market reflects the weight of gaining confidence. The Processor Cow Indicator similarly fell, easing 13¢ to 284¢/kg lwt, a seeming correction of the spikes seen last week.

Sheep Market

The sheep market was similarly mixed this week. Similar to cattle, yardings were impacted by interrupted sales.

Finished stock remained relatively stable, with the Heavy Lamb Indicator and Trade Lamb moving sideways to 815¢ and 801¢/kg cwt.

Restocker lambs eased to 669¢/kg cwt, driven mostly by confidence in NSW markets pulling prices up last week, and a lack of competitive pulling them back down. The National Mutton Indicator continued its decline, down 78¢ to 431¢/kg cwt, despite a significant reduction in the supply of mutton through yards. Moving through autumn, it is likely we will see a continued reduction in supply.

Slaughter

Week Ending 11 April 2025

Processing volumes for the week ending 11 April lifted from last week as processors recovered from the impact of the floods in Queensland and prepared for several weeks of interrupted processing. Processing volumes tend to lift in the week before Easter, and this year’s increases are in line with this historical trend.

The next two slaughter reports will be impacted by the upcoming short weeks.

Cattle Slaughter

National slaughter lifted 6% to 152,180 head, thanks to significant lifts in NSW and Victoria. Both states had their largest kill weeks in five years, processing 37,994 and 25,411 head, respectively.

Consistent lifts across all states last week (up 0–⁠8%) also contributed:

NSW up 6% to 37,994
Queensland up 6% to 77,335
SA up 1% to 3,815
Tasmania up 1% to 5,016
Victoria up 8% to 25,411
WA steady at 2,609.

Sheep Slaughter

Lamb processing reached records, lifting 4% for a record throughput of 527,045 head, the fourth consecutive week above the half-million mark. This reflects the continued supply of the 2024 lamb cohort, many of which were retained longer due to poorer conditions and weight gain decisions.

NSW throughput lifted 5% to 131,364, its largest week since September 2024. Victoria’s throughput also lifted 3% last week to 261,758, the second-largest state throughput, just behind last month’s record. State-by-state breakdown was as follows:

NSW up 5% to 131,364
Queensland up 4% to 1,460
SA up 8% to 61,959
Tasmania up 7% to 11,563
Victoria up 3% to 261,758
WA up 1% to 58,941.

Lifts were also seen in sheep slaughter, which increased 4% to 197,580, though throughput remained below the 2025 average. Increases across both categories took the combined slaughter to 724,627 head, the third largest throughput of the year.

Attribute to: Erin Lukey, MLA Senior Market Information Analyst.

Foot-and-Mouth Threat Level Raised to ‘Medium’ Across the UK

Farmers Urged to Increase Biosecurity Measures Following Heightened Risk Assessment

Livestock farmers across the United Kingdom are being urged to bolster their biosecurity protocols following an official increase in the threat level for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from ‘low’ to ‘medium’. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the change earlier today, citing a heightened risk of the highly contagious animal disease entering the country.

While there are currently no confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth in the UK, the raising of the threat level reflects growing concerns within the agricultural sector and government agencies. This decision comes on the heels of recent outbreaks of the disease in mainland Europe, particularly in Hungary and Slovakia, as reported earlier this month. These incidents have increased the perceived likelihood of the virus being inadvertently introduced to the UK through the movement of animals, animal products, or even contaminated materials.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a severe and highly infectious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, and deer. An outbreak in the UK could have devastating consequences for the agricultural industry, potentially leading to widespread culling of livestock, significant economic losses, and restrictions on trade. The memory of the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis, which cost the UK billions of pounds and led to the slaughter of millions of animals, remains fresh in the minds of farmers and policymakers.

In response to the elevated threat level, Defra is advising all livestock keepers to review and strengthen their biosecurity measures immediately. This includes:

Strict control of access to farms and animal housing: Limiting unnecessary visitors and ensuring thorough disinfection of vehicles and footwear.
Enhanced hygiene practices: Implementing rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols for equipment, vehicles, and personnel.
Careful sourcing of animals and animal products: Ensuring all new livestock are sourced from reputable, disease-free sources and adhering to all import regulations.
Vigilant monitoring of animal health: Regularly checking livestock for any signs of foot-and-mouth disease, such as blisters on the mouth, feet, and teats, excessive salivation, and lameness.
Prompt reporting of any suspicious signs: Contacting a veterinarian or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) immediately if any unusual symptoms are observed.

Speaking earlier today, a Defra spokesperson emphasised the importance of proactive measures: “The increase in the foot-and-mouth disease threat level to ‘medium’ is a precautionary measure to reflect the evolving situation in Europe. While the risk remains that the disease could enter the UK, taking robust biosecurity measures is the most effective way to protect our livestock and the wider agricultural economy. We urge all farmers to remain vigilant and implement the necessary steps to safeguard their animals.”

The threat level will likely lead to increased scrutiny at UK borders, with stricter checks on imports of meat and dairy products from the European Union. Travellers returning from the continent are also being reminded of the regulations regarding the import of animal products and the potential risks they pose to UK agriculture.

Organisations representing farmers across the UK have echoed Defra’s call for heightened vigilance. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has issued guidance to its members, stressing the need for collective responsibility in preventing the introduction and spread of the disease.

As the situation in Europe continues to be monitored closely, UK farmers are bracing themselves and implementing stricter measures to protect their livelihoods and the nation’s livestock from the potentially devastating impact of foot-and-mouth disease. The coming weeks will be crucial in ensuring that the increased threat level does not translate into a real outbreak on UK soil.

Irish Pig Prices Surge Amid Tight Supplies and Strong Demand

Pig Market Update: Prices and Throughput

Prices

Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are on an upward trajectory in response to relatively tight supplies for slaughter. Last week saw an increase of 4c/kg in Irish pig prices, with producers reporting an average of €2.20 available from processors.

Others reported getting prices 6-7c/kg higher, signalling a good demand for pigs. The average reported price paid for grade E pig prices in Ireland for the week ending April 6th, 2025, was €2.10/kg excluding VAT.

The current Irish price is 3.4% higher than the corresponding week last year when the grade E pig price was €2.09/kg. The EU average price for the week ending March 22nd, 2025, for grade E carcass was €1.84/kg excluding VAT. This represents a slight increase of 2.9% in last week’s EU average price and is 13% behind prices for the same month last year, when the EU average pig price was €1.90/kg.

Throughput

While throughput has improved in the last quarter, demand continues to run ahead of supplies. Total throughput year-to-date is 904,390, which is marginally behind the corresponding period in 2024. The throughput for the week ending April 6th was 64,217, of which 1,970 were sows.

Bord Bia

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices Update

Lamb Market Update: Quotes, Prices, and Throughput

Quotes

Base quotes from major processors have been falling for a number of weeks. However, the week ending April 6th saw quotes take a significant increase, with €9.70/kg for well-finished lambs (+QA bonus) on offer. Sellers trading at the higher end of the market have had more success in negotiating higher carcass weight allowances up to 20.5kg to 21kg.

Relatively tight lamb supplies combined with some stability in demand from the domestic and export markets have contributed to this firming of the trade throughout 2024. Tighter lamb supplies are also a feature in other key lamb-producing regions of Europe and the UK, with the latest Eurostat figures indicating a contraction in breeding flock numbers in many regions. The Irish ewe flock contracted by 3.7% in the December 2023 census versus December 2022 levels. This decline in the ewe flock of 107,000 head is one factor contributing to the tightness in supplies.

Prices

The reported deadweight price for the week ending April 6th increased by 21c/kg to €8.96/kg, reflecting an uplift for the past two weeks after several weeks of consecutive price drops recorded in average prices from the major lamb processors. In the corresponding week in 2024, the reported deadweight price was €8.68/kg. The deadweight trade has slightly improved across the UK regions for the week ending April 6th.

Reported lamb prices in mainland GB were the equivalent of €8.48/kg last week (-23c/kg). In Northern Ireland, the latest prices are not yet published; the last latest NI price for the week ending March 8th, 2025, was €8.06/kg.

Southern Hemisphere prices remain well below European prices; however, they have improved significantly over the last few weeks, narrowing the price differential with the EU. With a lead time on product shipments, this recent improvement in deadweight prices should impact their competitiveness on EU markets in the medium to longer term. Prices this week took a slight increase and fall respectively and are at €4.50/kg and €4.30/kg for Australia and New Zealand.

Throughput

There was a decrease in the total sheep kill in DAFM approved plants last week to 42,533 head, compared to 47,210 the same week in 2024. Tighter supplies have been a feature of the 2025 lamb season to date, with a smaller lamb crop and a difficult lambing impacting lamb availability for processing. Total TYD slaughter is down 22% on 2024 to a total of 566,737 head.

Bord Bia

Irish Cattle & Beef Market Update

Beef Market Update: Throughput and Prices

Throughput

There were 35,717 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending April 12th, 2025, taking throughput for the year to date to 540,634 head. This represents an increase of 11,183 head or 3% compared to the corresponding period in 2024, when a total of 529,451 cattle were processed. In the first 15 weeks of 2025, 405,910 prime cattle were processed, marking a 1.8% increase from the same period last year.

However, there has been a change in the slaughter mix, with a notable decline in the young bull kill early in 2025, which has now evened out to similar levels as this week in 2024. Steer and heifer throughput has dropped slightly in comparison to 2024. Cow throughput has remained strong, with 99,507 cows processed so far this year, up by 13% from 2024 levels.

Prices

Quotes from major processors have continued to trend upward, reflecting a balance between supply and demand currently in favour of producers. This week saw the trade levelling off. Base quotes this week are in the region of €7.60-€7.70/kg for steers, while starting quotes for heifers are €7.70/kg to €7.80/kg.

The trade for the smaller numbers of young bulls on offer remains steady, with €7.60-€7.80/kg available for U grading animals under 24 months of age, and flat prices as high as €7.90/kg available for R grading bulls.

Well-fleshed O grading cows are being quoted at €7.00/kg, with €7.25/kg available for good quality R grading cows. A significant proportion of the cow kill have achieved a conformation score of P in recent months, and the prices available for these animals vary significantly based on grade, weight, and quality.

For the week ending April 12th, 2025, the average price paid by Irish beef processors for R3 steers increased by 6c/kg to €7.73/kg. This was 195c/kg ahead of the corresponding week in 2024. The reported R3 heifer during the week ending April 6th, 2025, increased by 26c/kg to €7.68/kg, placing it 193c/kg ahead of the corresponding week in 2024.

EU and UK Prices

European young bull prices have held strong for all of 2025 so far. The average reported price for R3 grading young bulls was €6.37/kg (excluding VAT) for the week ending April 12th, 2025. This is 125c/kg ahead of the same week last year. Tighter cattle supplies and firm demand have meant deadweight beef prices in the UK have remained strong. This week, the average R3 steer price decreased by 24c/kg to €7.23/kg for the week ending April 12th, 2025.

Bord Bia

Growing Concerns Over UK-US Trade Deal and Food Standards

UK Farmers Raise Concerns Over Food Standards in Potential US Trade Deal

As the United Kingdom and the United States revive talks of a potential UK-US trade deal, British farmers are voicing strong concerns about protecting UK food standards, especially regarding hormone-treated US beef.

US-UK Trade Deal Talks Resume

Speaking recently, US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about a future agreement, stating there is a “good chance” of finalising a deal. However, previous negotiations stalled over major differences in food safety regulations and animal welfare standards.

British Farmers Demand Equal Standards for Imported Meat

David Barton, Livestock Chair of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), stressed the importance of holding imported food to the same high standards required of UK farmers.

“There is no way we would accept anything that is not produced to our standards,” said Barton. “If US beef is to be imported, it must pass the same rigorous tests as British meat.”

UK Beef Farming: A Quality-Driven Model

Barton, who runs a beef cattle farm in the Cotswolds, near Cirencester, highlighted the strengths of British beef production. His cattle are largely raised on natural grass pasture and their mother’s milk, with winter feed sourced locally.

“Our temperate climate, our lush grass — the British Isles are just designed for beef. We don’t have to add much,” he explained.

While he respects the efforts of American beef producers, Barton emphasised the advantages of the UK’s natural farming conditions and traditional practices.

Trade Deal Implications for UK Agriculture

British farmers are urging the UK Government to ensure any post-Brexit trade agreements uphold the country’s high animal welfare, environmental, and food safety standards.

The inclusion of hormone-treated beef or lower-standard imports could undercut UK producers and undermine consumer trust. The outcome of these negotiations will have lasting effects on British agriculture, food integrity, and the broader UK food supply chain.

Key Takeaways:

UK farmers support fair trade but demand equal standards for imported food.
Hormone-treated beef remains a sticking point in UK-US trade talks.
The NFU calls for a level playing field to protect UK farming and consumer trust.

Original Source: BBC News

EU Beef Prices Surge as Irish Market Strengthens, Narrowing Gap with GB Prices

Average EU deadweight cattle prices have risen dramatically over the past few weeks, decreasing the difference between continental and GB prices. This article explores the reasons behind this surge and what it could mean for the UK beef market.

Key Points

The average European beef price has risen faster than the GB price, eroding the price differential, which stood at 94.8 pence for steers of R3 specification in the week beginning 31 March. This makes UK exports more competitive but increases the price of imports.
Beef supply across the EU is forecast to fall in 2025, potentially lending further support to prices.
The top supplier of beef imports in 2024 to the EU was the UK, providing 93,200 tonnes of beef, making up 31% of total beef imports into the EU and valuing £502.9 million.

Prices

In the week beginning 31 March, EU steers rose on average by 18p/kg. For R3 steers, this represents a 36% increase in price from the same time last year. Over the past few weeks, the average European beef price has risen faster than the GB price, eroding the price differential, which stood at 94.8 pence for steers in the week ending 31 March.

Selected EU Deadweight Cattle Prices (p/kg)

Young bulls category AR3
Steers category CR3
GB price is AHDB R3 steer average

Source: European Commission, AHDB

The increase in the average EU steer price has been predominantly driven by movements in the Irish market. The average price of an Irish R3 steer stood at an equivalent of 643.8 p/kg, up 26 pence from the week before, closing the gap with the GB R3 steer price to 53 pence. This was down from a historically wide differential of 117.4 pence in mid-February and is back to a position last seen in mid-2024.

Due to the beef trading relationship, the Irish beef price is closely linked with GB beef prices, with the current strength of the British market supporting averages across the Irish Sea. Irish cattle kill has been elevated so far in 2025, but supply is forecast to tighten through the year. Meanwhile, live exports of Irish cattle have grown strongly again so far in 2025, with Bord Bia reporting particular growth in shipments to Northern Ireland, Spain, and Italy.

Production

Elsewhere, beef supply across the EU is forecast to fall, as suckler herds contend with low profitability and stricter sustainability regulations. The European Commission predicts a 7.5% fall in suckler cow numbers by 2035 to 9.5 million head. Dairy herd numbers are also forecasted to fall, albeit more steadily, with a long-term declining trend of -0.3% year-on-year. This means that in the future, there are likely to be fewer beef calves entering the system.

However, 2024 saw significant variation across the bloc. Beef production decreased or remained relatively stable in states such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands but saw marked increases in Spain, Italy, and most significantly in Poland. In 2024, Poland saw production increases of 24%, primarily driven by a rapidly growing export market to Turkey.

Trade

Total external EU-27 beef exports grew by 10% year-on-year in 2024 to approximately 690,000 tonnes (including offal). The most significant destination for these exports was the UK, but export volumes to Turkey and Algeria have seen remarkable growth. EU beef exports to Turkey were up by 30,300 tonnes in 2024, representing a 70% rise from 2023 levels, and volumes to Algeria rose from 400 tonnes to 29,000 tonnes in 2024.

Meanwhile, EU import volumes of beef also grew in 2024 by 8% to 299,000 tonnes. In 2024, the top supplier of these imports was the UK, providing 113,600 tonnes of beef (including offal), making up 31% of total beef imports into the EU and valuing £577 million. 52% of the remaining import volumes into the EU originated from the South American states of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Future Implications

Moving forward, these trading relationships could well change due to the potential implications of the EU-Mercosur trade deal. If ratified, the deal could encourage higher volumes of competitively priced South American beef into the EU, pressuring farmgate prices. However, the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation may compromise market access, and the market impact of this is yet unclear.

Original story: AHDB