The UK government has confirmed that hormone-treated beef from the United States will not be sold in Britain. This announcement comes after a fresh trade deal was signed, allowing more beef trade between the two countries. Officials say strict checks at the border will keep unsafe meat out of UK supermarkets.
Farmers and Shoppers Raise Concerns Over US Beef Imports
Many British farmers and shoppers are worried. They fear that the deal might let beef treated with growth hormones into local stores and restaurants. These hormones are still used in American farming, even though they are banned in the UK.
The UK stopped allowing such beef in 1989. This rule came from an EU-wide ban based on health concerns. Though the UK has now left the EU, the ban remains in place.
UK Promises Strict Border Checks and Testing
The government says that nothing has changed in its food safety rules. Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, made it clear: “We will keep testing imported beef. If hormone residues are found, the importers will be punished.”
Border officers will check US beef and run tests to make sure it meets UK standards. Any products that fail these tests will not be allowed in.
Farmers Demand Details on Enforcement
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has asked the government to explain exactly how these rules will be enforced. They want full transparency on how border checks will work and how violations will be handled.
NFU leaders say UK farmers follow high standards. They are proud of the country’s strict rules on animal welfare and food safety. Many fear that imported meat may not meet those same levels.
Beef Producer Questions US Farming Practices
Ian McCubbine, a beef farmer from Surrey, says he is worried about the deal. He believes US beef might be cheaper, but that doesn’t mean it’s better. “We’ve built a system over 50 years that protects the land and the animals,” he said. “We don’t want that hard work undone.”
McCubbine, like many UK farmers, says that British beef is among the best in the world. He warns that cheap, hormone-treated imports could harm both health and the local economy.
Trade Deal Sets Beef Quotas and Offers Wider Market Access
The trade agreement allows up to 13,000 metric tonnes of US beef to enter the UK each year without import tax. That equals about one medium-sized steak per adult per year. The US currently sends only 1,000 tonnes to the UK, with a 20% tariff.
In exchange, UK beef producers can also send up to 13,000 tonnes of meat to the US. The deal lowers duties for both sides and aims to boost sales.
It also reduces tariffs on British-made vehicles and allows more US ethanol to be sold in the UK.
Campaigners Warn of Weak Border Inspections
Liz Webster, leader of the group Save British Farming, criticized the agreement. She wrote on social media that the UK is risking food safety for cheaper cars. She also questioned how border agents can fully enforce the rules with limited resources.
Some online voices urged people to shop smart. “Look for the Red Tractor label,” one user posted, “and buy from your local butcher who knows the source of your beef.”
Defra Demands Proof from US Meat Exporters
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says all US exporters must follow strict UK rules. Their beef must come with certificates proving no hormone use.
Defra added that hormone use often happens in the final stages of cattle growth. Border testing can detect even small traces. Any product that fails will be turned away.
The UK government insists that food safety will not be weakened. Officials say every shipment of beef from the US will be tested. Hormone-fed meat will not reach British shelves.