Desinewed Meat

HC 120, Fifth Report of Session 2012-13 - Report, Together with Formal Minutes, Oral and Written Evidence

Author:: House of Commons - Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Publisher:: TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £15.50

The European Commission demanded in March that desinewed meat, which closely resembles minced meat and is used in many processed meat products, must be classified as "mechanically separated meat". Under EU rules , this meant that it could no longer be obtained from the bones of cattle, sheep and goats; 'Desinewed Meat (HC 120)' highlights the impact that the Commission's decision has had on the UK meat industry.

The Government has so far failed to protect UK producers despite that it has made it clear that there are no food safety risks associated with the use of desinewed meat. One producer of desinewed meat, Newby Foods Ltd, has been forced to make almost half of its workforce redundant.

Consumers are expected to pay a price as desinewed meat, traditionally used in value ranges, is replaced by more expensive cuts of meat; and although similar processes are used elsewhere in the EU, only the UK has been forced into a ban, having been threatened with "safeguarding measures" by the Commission.

The Commission must bring forward its visits to other Member States so that there is a level playing field for our producers; otherwise the UK may be left in the position whereby desinewed meat is imported from elsewhere in the EU.

The Committee criticises the European Commission for failing to provide oral evidence to the Committee's inquiry, which shows a worrying disregard for democratic accountability.

Extent	96 pages	ISBN	9780215047250
Size	A4	Price	£15.50
Format	Paperback	Published	24 Jul 2012
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges