The government has insisted that American hormone-treated meat will not start to seep into the UK market, following the tariff deal agreed this week that boosts the trade in beef in both directions.
The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high food safety and animal welfare standards, explicitly stating that hormone-treated beef will not be permitted in the country, even following the recent trade agreement with the United States.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones emphasized that the UK’s strict regulations on hormone use in cattle farming remain unchanged. They assured the public that robust border checks and testing procedures are in place to prevent any non-compliant products from entering the market. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires hormone residue testing for beef exports, and UK authorities conduct additional laboratory tests to ensure compliance with domestic standards .
Under the new trade deal, the US is granted a tariff-free quota of 13,000 tonnes of beef annually. However, current US beef imports constitute a minimal 0.06% of the UK’s total beef consumption, and the agreement is primarily expected to increase imports of premium cuts like steak for the restaurant sector .
The UK government’s stance aligns with previous commitments made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has consistently vowed not to lower food standards in trade negotiations. In 2023, Sunak stated, “There will be no chlorine-washed chicken and no hormone-treated beef on the UK market. Not now, not ever,” underscoring the government’s dedication to upholding domestic farming practices and consumer safety .
Despite these assurances, some experts caution that the effectiveness of border checks and testing procedures could be challenged by the complexity and cost involved. Additionally, the UK’s future trade negotiations, particularly its accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), may present further challenges in maintaining these standards .
In conclusion, while the recent US-UK trade deal opens avenues for increased beef imports, the UK government has firmly stated that hormone-treated beef will not enter the market, reaffirming its commitment to high food safety and animal welfare standards.
