The UK will not follow the EU by introducing a ban on Brazilian beef imports in early September.

In response to concerns about production standards in Brazil, the EU is set to ban meat imports from the South American country on 3 September.

However, the UK government has confirmed that it is not following Brussels on the issue, and is instead carrying out its own review into Brazilian standards.

A UK government spokesperson confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that imports from Brazil will be allowed to continue whilst its review is underway.

Reaction

The body that represents UK meat factories has warned the delayed reaction could “severely impact the UK beef market and consumer confidence in beef”.

John Powell from the British Meat Processors Association said concerns have been raised with Defra, which is the relevant department within the UK government.