Scottish beef has been officially recognised as BSE-negligible risk for export purposes by the World Organisation for Animal Health. This means that some offal parts can now be sold. They were previously deemed unfit for human consumption and had to be disposed of, at a cost to the industry.

Market possibilities could emerge in Japan and elsewhere, and cattle of any age will now be eligible. Cattle from England and Wales are still considered as having controlled risk status and are only eligible for export if they are younger than 30 months.

Landmark day

Rural secretary Fergus Ewing said it was a “landmark day for our red meat sector”, praising the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW), producers, red meat businesses and vets for their role in achieving BSE-negligible risk status.

SAMW president Frank Clark said that members were “exploring new by-product opportunities in order to return maximum value for the sector”.