Tough action to protect the public was taken today (14 July) by Agriculture Minister Jack Cunningham to stop operations at two meat plants. The decision follows on-going work by MAFF officials and the European Commission's anti-fraud unit. Dr Cunningham said:
"Evidence is coming to light that some UK-based companies may have been exporting UK beef. There is evidence too that the companies in question have been failing to comply with the basic requirements on record keeping, whose purpose is to ensure that the origins of meat can be traced, and falling down on hygiene standards too.
"Operations of this kind involve risks to be public. I am determined to crack down hard on anyone who runs risks with public safety. I have today served notices on two companies requiring them to stop trading in beef immediately. I am absolutely determined that the inquiries into this complex affair should be pursued to the end.
ILLEGAL BEEF EXPORTS ACTION
In a move designed to reassure EU partners, Agriculture Minister Jack Cunningham announced he is to close a loophole and enhance enforcement action that can be taken on the beef ban. Legislation is to be introduced which will:
In answer to a Parliamentary question from Mr Keith Hill (Streatham), Dr Cunningham said:
"My officials, in conjunction with officials from other member states, the Commission's Anti-Fraud unit and DGXXIV, are pursuing investigations in this country and elsewhere into allegations of the illegal export of UK beef. It will be some time before those investigations are complete. Criminal proceedings will be instigated if sufficient evidence of illegal activity is found. All allegations of illegal exports of beef are urgently and rigorously investigated.
"As a result of serious hygiene concerns arising out of our investigations, however, my Department yesterday issued Notices preventing two meat plants in the UK from trading in beef.
"In light of recent events I have undertaken a thorough review of the measures currently in place to implement the ban on the export of UK beef imposed by EC Decision 96/239 as amended by EC Decision 96/362 and have concluded that those measures should be enhanced and extended. I have today informed the European Commission that I intend to:
“I am also giving urgent consideration to enhancing veterinary checks at beef plants.
"The UK is under an obligation to implement and enforce the export ban firmly and effectively for as long as it is in place. Only in this way will we regain the trust of our European partners, which is an essential pre-requisite to an early lifting of the export ban."
The relevant EU Decisions are: