AHDB highlights vital role of safeguarding market access for British red meat

With international trade increasingly making headlines, an industry expert has reiterated the importance of safeguarding market access for the red meat sector.

Ouafa Doxon, AHDB Head of Market Access, said maintaining UK meat export approvals was more essential than ever in ensuring continued trade in a wide portfolio of markets.

Her comments followed an audit by the US Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in the United States of the UK veterinary system in late March 2025 as part of the UK’s ongoing access arrangements for pork, lamb and beef exports to the US market.

Simultaneous site visits to look at UK official meat controls took place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with AHDB and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) hosting pre-audit preparation sessions for the businesses involved on what to expect.

The US audit followed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) food safety audit looking at UK pork, lamb, beef and poultry facilities in September. Over two weeks, around 20 sites including abattoirs, cold stores and processing plants were assessed to ensure compliance with export standards.

Following the audit, we worked closely with UKECP, Defra and industry stakeholders to compile key documents for review. Defra is now finalising its formal response to CFIA’s recommendations.

Last year, total UK red meat exports were worth £1.77 billion. The value of beef, lamb and pig meat exports in 2024 as a whole increased 3.3% on year-earlier levels.

Ouafa said:

“Market access is about securing new opportunities, strengthening existing arrangements and ensuring continued access into established markets. AHDB, working in close partnership with UKECP, Defra and other UK government departments, remains committed to supporting UK meat exports and facilitating international trade.

“The final US audit report is pending, but trade continues uninterrupted – marking steady progress in market access and regulatory collaboration. Similarly, the final Canadian audit report is pending, but trade continues uninterrupted.

“With international trade very much in the spotlight currently, expanding global opportunities while safeguarding continued access to key markets is of paramount importance. AHDB’s Market Access team continues to work behind the scenes with industry and government to help ensure our red meat export businesses are in the strongest position possible to maximise the opportunities presented.”

Details about export opportunities for British red meat and dairy can be found in our analysis: Prospects for UK agri-food exports.