Punish offenders or lose export market, beef producers told

UK - Beef farmers who send their cattle to the wrong slaughter houses should face tougher penalties to ensure the UK does not lose its export market, according to industry leaders.
calendar icon 1 February 2007
clock icon 1 minute read
As part of the conditions for reopening the UK’s beef export market, cattle born before August 1996 must be processed through the Older Cattle Disposal Scheme.

However, between four and six pre-August 1996 born cattle are sent to commercial abattoirs each week, according to the National Beef Association.

John Cross, English Beef and Lamb Executive Chairman, said those found guilty of sending cattle to the wrong slaughter house should be punished.

'More teeth'

“We need to be seen to be policing this with more teeth,” he told delegates at the Meat and Livestock Commission’s Outlook 2007 conference on Tuesday (30 January).

“It’s a criminal offence and the rest of the world is watching, so we need to be seen to be taking a hard line.”

Duff Burrell, NBA chairman, said if the situation continues beef farmers should expect an unwelcome response from the EU when it sends its inspectors to the UK in March.

Source: Farmers Weekly Interactive
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