In its letter, the NBA says that information put before it suggests that more cows than was the case last year are being purchased by processors who supply the major multiples - raising the possibility that cow beef is being used for more than mince on fresh meat counters.

"We have made it clear we are not singling out any individual supermarket group and that our approach is based on the preservation of safeguards," explained NBA chairman Duff Burrell.

"However, processors who buy cows to supply the export market are complaining that current beef cow prices are £30 a head too high for them to meet their margins, which suggests that some purchases are being driven by increased domestic retail uptake.

"And the relative values of good beef cows compared with the standard supermarket R4L bullock are also closing up, even though the standard view is that differentials would be wider if fresh retail purchases were confined to cow beef for mince.

Source: The Herald