Stunned vs Non Stunned Meat Debate Heads to Parliament

A public petition calling for mandatory labelling of stunned and non-stunned meat has surpassed 100,000 signatures, triggering the threshold for consideration by Parliament.

According to reporting by FarmingUK, campaigners argue that clearer labelling would allow consumers to make informed choices about how meat is produced, particularly in relation to animal welfare and slaughter methods.

Under current UK rules, meat from animals slaughtered without prior stunning for religious purposes can be sold without specific on-pack identification. Supporters of the petition say this creates a transparency gap for consumers, while opponents warn that mandatory labelling could stigmatise lawful production systems and raise concerns about community relations.

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Source: FarmingUK | 27 January 2026

Food Fraud Risks Underlined by Illegal Poultry Case

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a renewed warning to the food industry to remain vigilant against food fraud. This follows the jailing of a man involved in the illegal trade of poultry products valued at more than £500,000.

According to the FSA, the investigation was led by its National Food Crime Unit (NFCU). The investigation uncovered fraudulent activity involving turkey and chicken products placed into the supply chain without proper controls. The case also highlighted serious breaches of traceability, labelling and food safety requirements.

The FSA said the conviction demonstrates the scale and sophistication of food crime. Additionally, it shows the risks it poses to legitimate businesses operating under strict regulatory frameworks. While the seized products were poultry, officials stressed that food fraud can affect any part of the meat and protein supply chain. This includes sourcing and processing. It also affects distribution.

Industry operators were urged to maintain robust supplier due diligence, record-keeping and verification procedures, and to report suspicious activity. The FSA warned that criminal operators exploit market pressures, price volatility and complex supply chains to move fraudulent products.

The case follows wider industry concerns about illegal meat movements and biosecurity threats. It reinforces calls for stronger enforcement, intelligence sharing and awareness across the sector.

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Source: Food Standards Agency | 27 January 2026

Former Cultivated Meat CEO Warns Start-ups Must “Sell or Die”

A former chief executive of a leading cultivated meat company has issued a blunt warning. He stated that start-ups in the sector must consolidate or shut down, as funding dries up and commercial timelines stretch.

According to reporting by Food Ingredients First, the former CEO of Meatable said the industry has reached a point where many businesses no longer have the capital runway to continue independently. In addition, with investment collapsing from its 2021 peak, companies are being forced into mergers, asset sales or closures.

The comments follow the closure of two major cultivated meat players in late 2025. These events underscored the sector’s challenges around scale-up costs, regulatory timelines and consumer acceptance. Despite technical progress, commercial volumes remain limited. Meanwhile, capital requirements continue to rise.

The warning adds to growing evidence that the alternative protein sector is entering a consolidation phase. Only a small number of companies are likely to progress beyond pilot scale in the near term.

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Source: Food Ingredients First | 26 January 2026

China’s Meat Production Grew Over 4% in 2025, Led by Poultry

China’s total meat and poultry output rose 4.2% in 2025, reaching 100.72 million tonnes, with poultry production driving the majority of growth, according to official figures released by the China State Statistical Administration.

Data reported via AgroReview shows poultry output increased by 6.7% year-on-year, reflecting continued expansion in China’s broiler and duck sectors as producers respond to affordability, efficiency and disease-management considerations.

Pork production, China’s dominant protein category, rose by 4.1%, signalling further recovery and stabilisation following the long-term disruption caused by African swine fever. Beef output increased by 2.8%, while lamb production declined by 4.2%, highlighting ongoing pressure in the sheep sector.

Industry analysts note that poultry’s faster growth reflects its short production cycles, lower feed conversion ratios and competitive retail pricing, making it a strategic protein for food security and inflation control. The figures also underline China’s continued push to reduce reliance on imports by expanding domestic supply where possible.

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Source: AgroReview / China State Statistical Administration | 26 January 2026

Brazilian Beef Imports Spark Controversy in Ireland

A fresh controversy has emerged in Ireland after reports confirmed that a small volume of Brazilian beef has entered the Irish food supply chain. This has reignited debate over imports, governance and the EU–Mercosur trade agreement.

According to reporting by The Journal.ie, the issue has intensified following revelations that a company linked to the chairman of Bord Bia has been importing Brazilian beef. Farming groups and opposition figures have raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest. This is particularly relevant at a time when Irish farmers are strongly opposed to increased South American beef access.

The quantities involved are understood to be limited, but the political and symbolic impact has been significant. However, critics argue that importing Brazilian beef undermines confidence in Irish food governance. In addition, some say it weakens Ireland’s position in opposing the Mercosur deal. Many in the beef sector fear this could increase competition from lower-cost imports.

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Source: The Journal.ie | 25 January 2026

Processors Squeezed as Irish Cattle Availability Declines

Ireland’s beef processing sector is scaling back operations as cattle availability continues to tighten, forcing major processors to reduce throughput and, in some cases, cut jobs. This trend has become increasingly apparent as Irish beef processors cut capacity in response to supply challenges.

According to reporting by Farmers Journal, leading processors including Kepak and ABP have reduced operational capacity in response to a sustained decline in cattle numbers. The supply squeeze has increased pressure on plants already facing higher costs and margin constraints.

The contraction reflects structural changes in the Irish cattle herd, with lower numbers coming through to slaughter following years of reduced suckler cow retention and changing farm economics. Processors are now competing more aggressively for available stock, pushing procurement costs higher.

For farmers, however, the tighter supply dynamic has delivered a positive price outcome, with cattle prices strengthening as processors bid to secure numbers. Industry observers note that while this supports farm incomes in the short term, the imbalance raises concerns about long term processing capacity and employment within the sector.

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Source: Farmers Journal | 25 January 2026

Avian Influenza Update: England Maintains Heightened Biosecurity Measures

The UK government has issued its latest update on avian influenza (bird flu) in England. It confirmed that enhanced surveillance and biosecurity controls remain in force. Meanwhile, authorities continue to manage ongoing risk to poultry and captive birds.

Disease control measures are focused on early detection, rapid response and strict on-farm biosecurity. This is particularly important in areas assessed as higher risk.

Officials reiterated that housing requirements and movement controls may apply depending on local risk assessments. Keepers are urged to maintain robust hygiene protocols to limit contact between poultry and wild birds. DEFRA said the situation remains under close review. Additionally, measures are adjusted as surveillance data evolves.

The government stressed that avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk when poultry meat and eggs are properly handled and cooked. However, outbreaks can have significant implications for animal welfare, supply continuity and trade. This prompts ongoing engagement with industry stakeholders.

Producers and processors have been advised to remain vigilant and report suspected cases promptly. Furthermore, they should ensure compliance with all current requirements as the winter risk period continues.

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Source: GOV.UK / DEFRA | 25 January 2026

UAE Ostrich Meat Production Expands as Food Security Drive Accelerates

The United Arab Emirates is expanding ostrich meat production as part of its wider food security strategy. For example, a farm in Al Ain now produces around 75 tonnes of ostrich meat per year.

According to reporting by Gulf News, the Al Ain operation has positioned ostrich meat as a high-protein, lower-fat alternative to traditional red meats. This aligns with government efforts to diversify domestic protein supply and reduce reliance on imports.

Ostriches are well suited to arid climates and require less water and feed than conventional livestock. Therefore, they are attractive in regions facing climate and resource constraints. Producers say demand is growing steadily from restaurants, hotels and health-focused consumers. In addition, interest is also emerging from export markets.

The initiative reflects a broader Middle Eastern trend toward non-traditional proteins, including camel, ostrich and locally farmed poultry. Meanwhile, governments prioritise resilience, sustainability and supply chain security.

Industry observers note that while ostrich meat will remain a niche product, its expansion highlights how food security policy is reshaping livestock production models across the Gulf region.

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Source: Gulf News | 25 January 2026

M&S Invests Further in UK Chicken Sector

Marks & Spencer has announced a significant expansion of its investment in British chicken farming, increasing support to the sector by 33%, equivalent to £36 million.

The retailer said the move reflects strong growth in sales of its Oakham Gold chicken range and reinforces its long-term commitment to 100% British-sourced chicken. The additional funding will be used to expand M&S’s RSPCA Assured supply chain, supporting higher welfare production standards across its poultry suppliers.

M&S said customer demand for higher welfare chicken continues to grow, with the Oakham Gold range outperforming expectations. The investment will allow farmers to scale production, invest in infrastructure and maintain welfare standards amid ongoing cost pressures facing the poultry sector.

The announcement comes against a backdrop of rising UK chicken imports, particularly from Poland, and increasing scrutiny of sourcing standards across the retail market. Industry observers say M&S’s approach contrasts with some competitors that have turned to imported poultry to manage costs.

For UK producers, the commitment provides longer term supply certainty and highlights the commercial viability of welfare led poultry systems when aligned with strong retail backing.

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Source: Marks & Spencer | 25 January 2026