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

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

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

Meatex Launches Zero Commission Marketplace for the Food Trade

Trade only platform removes fees and commissions, giving suppliers full control and higher margins. This zero commission food marketplace empowers businesses to keep more of their profits while accessing a wider customer base.

Meatex, the UK’s leading B2B food trading platform, has today announced the launch of its new zero commission marketplace model, allowing food suppliers to list products for free, deal directly with buyers, and keep 100% of their profits.

The move removes traditional marketplace fees and commissions that often erode supplier margins, offering a simpler, fairer and more transparent way for wholesale food businesses to trade online.

Under the new model:

• Suppliers list products for free
• Buyers browse and connect for free
• No commission is charged on any deal
• Suppliers deal directly with buyers

The platform supports trading across meat, poultry, seafood, frozen, chilled and surplus food products, connecting verified trade buyers and sellers across the UK and internationally.

Tony Vardy, Founder of Meatex, commented: “The food trade is built on relationships, trust and speed. Traditional marketplaces often add friction, fees and complexity. We wanted to strip all of that away. Zero commission means suppliers keep their margin, buyers get sharper pricing, and deals happen faster. It’s how trading should work.”

Meatex has grown rapidly as a professional trade only platform, attracting wholesalers, manufacturers, processors, caterers and distributors seeking a clean, commission free route to market without consumer noise, hidden costs or platform interference.

The launch also reflects Meatex’s wider ambition to become the UK’s leading digital trading hub for wholesale food, combining marketplace trading with classified ads, recruitment, trade news and finance solutions.

“We’re not trying to replace relationships,” Vardy added. “We’re simply giving the trade better digital tools to trade smarter, faster and more profitably.”

Suppliers can register, list products and start selling immediately at www.meatex.co.uk

UK Cattle and Sheep Markets Show Mixed Trends This Week

UK cattle and sheep markets delivered a mixed performance this week, with cattle prices generally steady to slightly firmer, while lamb values showed variation depending on quality and region.

According to the latest update from Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), prime cattle prices remained well supported, underpinned by tight availability and continued processor demand. Slaughter numbers remain historically low, reinforcing underlying market firmness despite ongoing cost pressures further along the supply chain.

Cull cow prices were largely stable, with demand holding up across most regions as processors seek to maintain throughput levels amid constrained supply.

Sheep market

In the sheep sector, lamb prices showed mixed movements, with stronger returns for well-finished and heavier-weight lambs, while plainer types came under pressure. AHDB noted that buyer demand remains selective, reflecting cautious retail and wholesale conditions.

Mutton prices eased slightly in some areas, although overall throughput remains limited following significant destocking earlier in the season.

Slaughter and supply

AHDB data continues to highlight structural tightness in UK red meat supply, particularly in beef. While slaughter levels have stabilised compared with late 2025, they remain well below historical norms, supporting price levels into early 2026.

Market analysts say near-term price direction will remain closely tied to availability rather than demand growth, with limited signs of any material increase in livestock numbers.

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Source: AHDB | 23 January 2026

Cattle Prices Ease While Lamb Strengthens in Australian Market

Australian cattle markets softened in the week to 23 January, with all major indicators easing except restocker steers, while lamb prices strengthened as reduced supply met firm buyer demand.

According to the latest weekly wrap from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator continued to firm as demand for grass-ready cattle remained strong early in 2026. Yardings lifted week-on-week, but competition for suitable steers persisted.

In contrast, the National Processor Cow Indicator fell 10¢ to 372¢/kg liveweight, reflecting a decline in quality and increased female turn-off. Southern New South Wales producers were reported to be offloading cows with calves amid tightening feed conditions.

Sheep market

Lamb prices rose, supported by lower yardings ahead of the Australia Day public holiday. The Trade Lamb Indicator increased 30¢ to 1,085¢/kg carcase weight, driven by strong competition for well-finished lambs. Trade lamb throughput fell by more than 6,400 head week-on-week.

Mutton prices softened slightly, with the Mutton Indicator down 1¢ to 749¢/kg cwt, as buyer numbers eased despite higher supply.

Slaughter trends

National cattle slaughter rose to 138,344 head, as processors returned to full capacity following the New Year shutdown. All states recorded week-on-week increases except Queensland, where flooding disrupted operations and throughput fell 4% year-on-year.

Sheep and lamb slaughter continued to trend lower year-on-year, with national sheepmeat throughput down 14%. The decline reflects both producer retention and reduced availability following heavy destocking earlier in 2025.

MLA said the data points to ongoing supply tightness, particularly in sheepmeat, while cattle markets remain sensitive to seasonal conditions and feed availability.

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Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | 23 January 2026
Attribution: Emiliano Diaz, MLA Senior Market Information Analyst

EU Pork Prices Plunge as Rising Production Weighs on Market

EU pork prices have fallen to their lowest level since March 2022, as rising production and market disruption combine to place heavy downward pressure on values across the bloc.

According to the latest market update from Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the EU grade S reference price dropped to 132.68p/kg in the week ending 11 January 2026. The decline has been particularly sharp in Spain, where an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak has accelerated market weakness, with prices falling 37.73p/kg in just six weeks.

EU pig meat production continues to expand, totalling 18.2 million tonnes between January and October, up 4% year on year. The increase in supply has outpaced demand growth, intensifying competition within the single market and dragging prices lower.

The downturn has also widened the UK–EU pork price gap to 65.46p/kg, the largest differential in more than a decade, highlighting the contrasting supply dynamics between the UK and continental Europe.

AHDB said the situation underlines the ongoing vulnerability of the EU pork sector to disease events, production cycles and export pressure, with price volatility likely to persist into 2026.

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Source: AHDB | 22 January 2026

Australian Beef Exports Break New Ground in 2025

Australia’s beef export sector delivered a standout performance in 2025, achieving record or near-record outcomes across multiple international markets. This happened as global demand strengthened and supply constraints eased.

According to new analysis from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Australian beef exports benefited from expanded market access and improved production conditions. There was also strong demand from key destinations, particularly in Asia, the Middle East and North America.

MLA said 2025 marked a year of diversification and resilience, with growth recorded across both traditional high-volume markets and emerging destinations. Furthermore, the performance reflects Australia’s ability to supply a wide range of beef products. These range from premium grain-fed cuts to manufacturing beef. This supported carcase balance and export value.

The results come amid tightening beef supply in several competing exporting regions, reinforcing Australia’s role as a reliable global supplier. MLA noted that export momentum is expected to continue into 2026. This will be supported by herd rebuilding, trade stability and sustained international demand.

Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | 22 January 2026