Ban lifted on beef imports from the UK
February 8th, 2012 by Susan Reynard | Categories: food, government, industry, products
The British Consulate-General’s office in Cape Town has made a statement that beef from the UK will once again be exported to South Africa, for the first time in 15 years. In 2011 notification was given that deboned beef from anatomically recognisable cuts, as well as a significant range of offal, could be sold into South Africa, which was the largest non-European Union market for British beef prior to 1996.
It represents a significant breakthrough for the industry after extensive work by EBLEX, the organisation for beef and lamb levy payers in England and other members of the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) behind the scenes.
Peter Hardwick, head of Trade Development for EBLEX says: “There has been lengthy negotiation with the South African authorities to secure the opening of the market and this should be seen as a significant breakthrough for our industry.”
A 15-person delegation will be visiting South Africa in light of the lifting of the ban. The delegation represents some of the UK’s best known and largest processors of beef and pork. The visit will seek to strengthen and renew the strong ties that exist between the UK and South African meat markets.
The UK is already a major importer of South African farming produce including wine, fruits and game meat. Both countries’ governments are committed to doubling the amount of two-way trade over the next few years. The visit coincides with the renewal of the health certification for pork.
The visiting delegation will be hosted at receptions on 13 February at 6pm at the High Commissioner’s residence in Cape Town and on 15 February at 6pm in Johannesburg at the Trade Commissioner’s residence.
There is no age restriction on the beef that can be exported to South Africa. Offal allowed under the arrangement includes thick skirt, heart, liver, kidney, reticulum and blanched beef heels. Beef exports (excluding offal) from the UK rose to R5.2-billion in 2011, their highest level since 1995.
For more information, email: UKinSouthAfrica@gmail.com.
