Need for improved labelling

SCOTLAND’S farming industry said the reports again highlighted its concerns about Brazilian meat production.

NFU Scotland pigs committee chairman Philip Sleigh, who farms at Oldmeldrum, said it highlighted the need for improved labelling that disclosed the true source of meat used in processed foods.

Scottish Beef Cattle Association development executive Brian Simpson urged the commission to stay firm in its demands for improvements on foot-and-mouth controls in Brazil, adding that Scottish plans to improve animal health and tackle diseases could be threatened by meat imports from nations where rules were lax.

He too asked the commission to secure traceability improvements in Brazilian cattle, adding there were still doubts that beef exported to the EU came from animals sourced exclusively from the approved farms.

MEP Alyn Smith said the reports again showed the policing of the Brazilian meat industry in a far from positive light. He added: “All we ask is for a level playing field. Instead our producers are faced with unfair competition from products that do not meet our animal-welfare standards. This is not protectionism – equivalent health standards are non-negotiable, our consumers expect nothing less.”