The newly announced UK-EU reset deal is being hailed as a transformative moment for Britain’s food industry, with sweeping changes aimed at easing trade frictions and lowering costs for consumers and businesses alike.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as a “win-win” that restores Britain’s position on the global stage. Among the most impactful provisions are those targeting the food and drink sector, which has faced years of disruption since Brexit.

Key Food Trade Reforms

• Simplified Border Checks: A new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement will remove many routine checks on animal and plant products. This is expected to reduce delays, cut costs, and improve the freshness and availability of goods on both sides of the Channel.
• End of Meat Export Bans: The EU’s longstanding ban on UK exports of sausages, mince, and some other chilled meats—imposed in 2021—will be lifted. This opens the door for British producers to re-enter a vital European market.
• This change is part of a broader veterinary agreement that also reduces red tape and health certification requirements for British food exports. In exchange, the UK has agreed to align with EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules and grant long-term access to UK fishing waters.
• The lifting of the ban is expected to significantly benefit British meat producers and exporters, reopening a vital European market that had been largely inaccessible for over four years.
• Lower Prices and Greater Choice: With fewer bureaucratic hurdles and faster transit times, retailers anticipate a broader range of products and more competitive pricing for consumers.
• Industry Reaction: Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation, welcomed the deal, noting that Europe remains the UK’s largest customer and supplier. “Trade in both directions has become complex and challenging,” she said. “A high-quality agreement will have clear benefits for consumers and businesses.”

Strategic Importance

The food and drink sector has been one of the hardest hit by post-Brexit trade barriers. Exports to the EU have fallen by a third since 2019, and importers have struggled with rising costs and logistical headaches. The new deal is seen as a vital step toward reversing that trend and restoring confidence in cross-border supply chains.

Retailers and manufacturers are now urging the government to work closely with industry to implement the changes smoothly and ensure the UK has a voice in future EU regulatory decisions that could affect British competitiveness.

EU Bans All Brazilian Poultry and Meat Imports Over Bird Flu Outbreak
The European Union has halted all imports of poultry and meat products from Brazil following the confirmation of Brazil’s first bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. The European Commission stated on Monday that EU import conditions require the exporting country to be free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

This move by the EU follows Brazil’s announcement on Friday of the H5N1 outbreak, which also triggered a country-wide trade ban from top buyer China and state-wide restrictions from other major consumers like Japan. Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro had previously indicated that, under existing protocols, the EU, China, and South Korea would impose 60-day bans.

A European Commission spokesperson confirmed via email that Brazilian authorities can no longer sign the necessary animal health certificates for exports to the EU, thus preventing any poultry or meat products from any part of Brazil from entering the bloc.

Original source: Reuters

Atypical BSE Case Confirmed in Essex, No Risk to Public Health or Food Safety

A single case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed on a farm in Essex. Authorities swiftly moved to reassure the public that there is no risk to human health or food safety from this isolated incident.

The animal, which showed some clinical signs of BSE, was humanely culled on the farm and tested as part of Defra’s routine surveillance programme. As it was fallen stock, the animal was not destined to enter the food chain.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss clarified, “Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE and is a spontaneously and sporadically occurring, non-contagious disease which is believed to occur at a very low level in all cattle populations. This is proof that our surveillance system for detecting and containing this type of disease is working.”

Dr. James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency, echoed this reassurance: “There is no food safety risk. There are strict controls in place to protect consumers from the risk of BSE, including controls on animal feed, and removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity.” He added that consumers can be confident in these protective measures, with FSA Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors continuing to ensure consumer safety in all abattoirs.

Great Britain’s overall risk status for BSE remains at ‘controlled’. The World Organisation for Animal Health and international trading partners have been informed, and the case does not affect the UK’s ability to export beef to other countries.

BSE is a notifiable animal disease. Suspected cases must be reported immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301 (England), 0300 303 8268 (Wales), or your local Field Services Office in Scotland. Failure to report is an offence.

Original source: Gov.uk

Pembrokeshire’s Only “State-of-the-Art” Abattoir Gets Expansion Go-Ahead

Plans to expand facilities at Euro Farm Wales, Pembrokeshire’s sole “state-of-the-art” abattoir, have been given the green light by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The application sought permission for an extension to the yard, along with the construction of a storage building and water tanks, at the existing abattoir located on the Withybush Trading Estate in Haverfordwest.

According to a supporting statement from Johnston Planning Ltd, the expansion aims to improve the management of the facility through better vehicle circulation and management. It clarified that the proposals would not lead to a significant increase in the abattoir’s throughput or involve any additional animal storage or processing areas.

An officer report recommending approval highlighted the abattoir’s vital role in serving the entire county as its only slaughterhouse and beef processing facility, providing an essential service to the local farming community. The report also noted that a previous, similar application was withdrawn to address officer concerns regarding drainage details and potential impacts on a nearby Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The approved scheme is anticipated to yield positive economic benefits by enabling the expansion of the existing business and securing local employment. Furthermore, positive environmental impacts are expected through the implementation of a sustainable drainage system for surface water and the provision of landscaping on the eastern boundary, as well as bird boxes on the proposed storage building.

The application was granted conditional approval, paving the way for the expansion of this key agricultural infrastructure in Pembrokeshire.

Original source: Yahoo News

Brazil Pins Hopes on Regional Approach to Ease Bird Flu Trade Bans

Brazil’s poultry industry is facing a challenging period following the country’s first confirmed bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. However, Brazilian officials are optimistic that major importers, particularly China, will adopt a regional approach to trade bans, limiting restrictions to the affected southern state rather than implementing nationwide suspensions.

Luis Rua, international secretary at Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry, expressed confidence that “since global demand is very strong, it’s likely that there will soon be some flexibility.” He added, “We are doing our part to quickly share information so things aren’t suspended for long.”

The hope is that China, Brazil’s largest chicken export market, will follow the lead of Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which have indicated a willingness to restrict bans to chicken from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the outbreak occurred.

A nationwide ban would be particularly painful for both Brazil, which accounts for over 35% of global chicken exports, and major importers like China, which sources over half of its chicken imports from Brazil. Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro highlighted this reliance, noting that the United States is the other primary supplier to China.

Interestingly, China already has significant restrictions on US poultry due to a widespread bird flu outbreak in the United States and ongoing trade tensions. Currently, China blocks poultry imports from more than 40 US states.

Brazilian officials are banking on their ability to contain the outbreak within Rio Grande do Sul and the strong global demand for chicken to persuade key importers to adopt a targeted, regional approach to any trade restrictions.

Original source: Reuters

China and UAE Top Destinations for Brazilian Chicken Exports in 2024

China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were the leading destinations for Brazilian chicken meat exports in 2024, according to recent trade data. Brazil, a global powerhouse in poultry production, shipped 562,208 tons of chicken meat to China and 455,121 tons to the UAE.

While the volume sent to the UAE saw a modest increase of 3.3% compared to the previous year, exports to China experienced a significant year-on-year drop of 17.7%.

Brazil’s poultry meat production has demonstrated robust growth, accumulating six consecutive years of year-on-year increases, reaching 14.97 million tons in 2024. The country’s success in this sector is attributed to its abundant natural resources, including fertile land and sufficient grain for feed, a favourable year-round climate, and a modern production chain characterized by advanced technology and high sanitary standards. Brazil’s strong global presence is further underpinned by its substantial export capacity and continuous efforts to open new international markets.

The top ten destinations for Brazilian poultry meat exports in 2024, in thousands of tons and their respective year-on-year growth rates, were:

1. China: 562 (-17.7%)
2. United Arab Emirates: 455 (+3.3%)
3. Japan: 443 (+2.2%)
4. Saudi Arabia: 371 (-1.6%)
5. South Africa: 325 (-4.4%)
6. Philippines: 235 (+7.0%)
7. European Union: 232 (+7.0%)
8. Mexico: 213 (+22.6%)
9. Iraq: 180 (+18.1%)
10. South Korea: 156 (-22.8%)

H5N1 Avian Influenza Outbreak Impacts Trade

The recent confirmation of an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak on a farm in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, has already begun to impact trade relationships. The Mexican government has announced a suspension of imports of chicken meat, fertile eggs, and live poultry from Brazil as a precautionary measure to protect its domestic poultry industry. This suspension will remain in effect until sufficient animal health information regarding the control of the outbreak becomes available. Mexico has formally notified Brazil of this trade suspension.

In response, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture has emphasized the robustness of its inspection system and has requested that the principle of regionalization be applied. This approach, which focuses on restrictions specific to the affected region rather than a nationwide ban, has already been accepted by key trade partners such as Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

Original source: Opportimes 

Norfolk Farming Leader Demands Urgent Government Action on “Alarming” Abattoir Decline

A leading Norfolk farmer has joined calls for immediate government intervention to address the “alarming decline” of small abattoirs across the UK.

Graham Shadrack, the Norfolk chairman for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and a Breckland pig farmer of over 50 years, echoed concerns raised by MPs during a recent Westminster Hall debate highlighting the critical role of these facilities in the meat supply chain and the severe threat posed by their rapid closure.

The debate revealed that the sector is at “crisis point,” with small abattoirs reportedly closing at a rate of 10% annually, leaving just 60 operational in the UK by 2023.

Mr Shadrack welcomed the parliamentary discussion as a “positive start” but stressed that tangible government action must now follow. “The shortage of local abattoirs is a major issue for farmers in this area,” he stated. “People are travelling crazy distances to take animals for slaughter and this is not a sustainable situation.”

He called for a “round-table MPs’ meeting” as the next step, leading to “firm commitments from the government” to tackle this urgent issue.

An NFU survey of livestock farmers in the East of England painted a stark picture, with 19% indicating they would stop keeping livestock and 14% facing potential closure if the trend of abattoir shutdowns continues.

The NFU has identified several reasons for these closures, including labour shortages, lack of investment due to thin profit margins, rising waste disposal costs, and excessive red tape. Compounding these pressures is the recent controversial 20% increase in Food Standards Agency (FSA) charges for official controls, including inspections.

To address this crisis, the NFU is advocating for several measures, including a government-led independent review of the FSA’s cost structures, workforce management, and use of contractors. They also propose that charges be based on the number of animals processed at each abattoir and call for increased adoption of technology and automation, prioritised recruitment and training of directly-employed vets and inspectors, and the reinstatement of the Smaller Abattoir Fund.

During the Westminster Hall debate, food security minister Daniel Zeichner indicated that discussions with the FSA regarding potential discounts for smaller abattoirs are ongoing. “We have been working closely with the industry and the FSA in looking at how we can reduce regulatory and administrative burdens,” he said, adding that the government aims to strike a balance between maintaining proper standards and ensuring proportionate regulation. He also highlighted initiatives like the reduced administration initiative and the FSA escalation process as steps taken to assist abattoirs.

Original source: Eastern Daily Press

Brazilian Meat Giants Marfrig and BRF Merge to Form MBRF, Rivaling JBS

Two of Brazil’s largest animal protein companies, Marfrig Global Foods and BRF, have finalized their merger details, creating a new powerhouse named MBRF. The deal, completed on May 15th, combines Marfrig’s strong presence in the beef sector with BRF’s extensive chicken and pork operations.

Marfrig had been steadily increasing its stake in BRF since 2021, culminating in a 50.5% ownership share prior to the merger. The newly formed MBRF is projected to have annual sales of $26.75 billion, positioning it as a significant competitor to Brazil’s leading meat processor, JBS.

Similar to JBS, Marfrig has established operations in the United States, holding an 82% stake in National Beef Packing Co. The merger will bring National Beef under the MBRF umbrella, further solidifying its presence in the crucial North American market. Marfrig previously owned Keystone Foods before its sale to Tyson in 2018.

While shareholder approval is still required at a meeting scheduled for June 18th, it is widely anticipated given Marfrig’s majority ownership.

MBRF’s CFO, as quoted by Reuters, indicated that the new entity may consider a U.S. stock market listing in the future, a move JBS has also frequently hinted at pursuing.

Local reports suggest that this significant consolidation within the Brazilian meat industry will further strengthen Brazil’s position as a key meat supplier to China, a crucial export market for both Marfrig and BRF.

Original source: Foodprocessing.com

Brazil Confirms First Bird Flu Case on Chicken Farm, China Imposes Trade Ban

Brazil has confirmed its first case of the highly contagious bird flu virus on a commercial chicken farm, triggering an immediate trade ban from its largest chicken export partner, China.

The outbreak occurred on a farm in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, as announced by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture on Friday. This marks the first time the virus has been detected in a commercial setting in Brazil, which is the world’s largest meat exporter and second-largest chicken producer globally, behind the United States.

In 2024, Brazil’s chicken meat exports reached a record 5.294 million metric tons, generating $9.928 billion in revenue. China was the top destination, importing 562,200 metric tons. Other key markets include the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

Following the confirmation, China swiftly imposed a temporary ban on poultry imports from Brazil. The Brazilian government has stated that a contingency plan has been activated to contain and eradicate the outbreak and has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and other trade partners.

The Ministry of Agriculture emphasised that the disease is not transmitted through the consumption of chicken meat or eggs, assuring the public of the safety of inspected products. The risk of human infection is considered low and primarily associated with direct contact with infected birds.

Brazil has been implementing preventative measures against bird flu for nearly two decades. Authorities are now working to contain the spread and have implemented a 60-day animal health emergency in the affected region.

Original source: Reuters

French Border Control Strikes Cause Delays for UK Animal and Food Exports

Exporters from Great Britain to France are facing significant delays due to an ongoing strike affecting French Border Control Posts (BCPs). The industrial action, involving contract veterinarians, is impacting veterinary inspections for goods arriving from the UK across all French BCPs, although Calais is not specifically targeted.

While the strike began on Tuesday, 13th May and continues on a renewable basis with no confirmed end date, specific updates have been issued for the crucial Calais crossing:

• Live Animal Inspections Halted in Calais This Weekend (17-18 May): No live animal inspections will be conducted at either of the Calais sites over the current weekend.
• Reduced Pace for Food Product Inspections: Inspections of food products will continue in Calais, but at a slower rate than usual.
• Emergency Procedure for EU Horses Returning via Calais: Due to a large volume of EU horses returning from competitions, an exceptional emergency procedure will be in place at the two Calais sites on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th May. Lighter controls will be applied specifically to these EU-origin horses. Port boarding authorisations and appointment confirmations for these dates will be validated from this afternoon (16th May).
• Stricter Procedures Resume from Wednesday 21st May: From Wednesday, 21st May, the procedures outlined in the 13th May update will be reinstated until further notice. This means boarding authorisations and appointment confirmations for live animals, particularly horses, will only be issued in the early morning of the relevant day. This measure aims to prevent animals being held up on-site due to a lack of official veterinarians. Exporters are strongly advised to secure these authorisations and confirmations before transporting live animals.

Alternative Routes Advised:

Exporters are being advised to consider alternative routes to France, such as Caen-Ouistreham, the Netherlands, or Belgium, to mitigate potential delays.

The situation remains fluid, and exporters are urged to stay informed of any further updates from French authorities regarding the end of the strike and the resumption of normal inspection procedures. The impact is being felt across all veterinary services and BCPs in France, slowing down the overall inspection process for goods arriving from Great Britain.