The British Poultry Council welcomes today’s EFRA Select Committee report, and shares concerns over illegal imports of meat and dairy products.

BPC Chief Executive, Richard Griffiths, said: “This report highlights how decades of work to strengthen UK food security, biosecurity, and animal health are being undermined by illegal meat.”

British poultry plays a crucial role in ensuring our national food security. Report findings confirm what the sector has long warned: a lack of targeted investment at the border leaves the UK exposed to the consequences of animal disease.

The British Poultry Council calls for robust measures to stop illegal imports.

Mr Griffiths continued: “The lack of clear ownership, resources, and coordination in this area is unacceptable. We support the Committee’s call for a national taskforce and a coherent strategy to tackle products of animal origin (POAO) smuggling.”

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has faced near-continuous outbreaks of diseases such as avian influenza since the end of 2020.

In its “2024 and Beyond” report, the British Poultry Council outlines how managing animal disease should be considered ‘business as usual,’ and that APHA requires support and investment to adjust its operational approach.

Mr Griffiths said: “Action is needed to close gaps and equip authorities and agencies with the resources required to protect food supply chains.”

The British poultry meat sector feeds millions of people every day. Imports must meet our standards as condition of entry. The British Poultry Council urges decisive action to stop illegal meat, therefore protecting poultry meat businesses and the trust consumers place in them.

Mr Griffiths concluded: “British poultry meat producers operate to high standards. Those standards mean nothing without stopping illegal meat. We look forward to working with our new Defra Ministers to ensure strong oversight, robust action, and the integrity of our food supply chains.”