AHDB welcomes new controls restricting the movement of pork and pork products into Great Britain

The new control will strengthen the requirements for bringing pork and pork products into Great Britain from the European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states.

From Thursday 1 September 2022, it will no longer be legal to bring pork or pork products weighing over two kilograms, unless they are produced to the EU’s commercial standards. This does not apply to commercial imports, which remain unaffected by the control.

We support and welcome the news, which represents a major step in our efforts to keep ASF out of the UK and an acknowledgement of the seriousness that the disease poses to both pig health and the implications it would have on our export market.

In our role representing farmers and processors, we have been working closely with the NPA, Government and wider stakeholders to continue raising awareness of ASF and promoting good biosecurity throughout the supply chain. We have also contributed to discussions with Government and Border Force to stress the need for greater control over pork imports.

Mandy Nevel, AHDB Head of Animal Health & Welfare, commented:

“An outbreak of ASF would cause massive disruption to domestic and export trade were it to reach the UK. This new legislation is a hugely positive step in our bid to keep the disease out and a reminder to us all to stay vigilant.

“We support the NPA’s activity in working with government to encourage the introduction of new regulations to restrict the import of pork meat into the UK and implement biosecurity at our borders. But we also need to remember that there are other borders such as those around pig farms where biosecurity measures must be followed.

“At AHDB we regularly review our biosecurity protocols across all sectors to ensure that our staff are aware of the latest risks and preventative measures. The importance of good farm and vehicle biosecurity must not be underestimated, our #MuckFreeTruck campaign aims to raise awareness of this as a stricter approach to biosecurity will prevent pathogens getting into pig units.”