The UK government is facing increasing calls to prevent illegal meat smuggling as experts warn of a potential crisis on par with the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Data obtained by BBC News reveals that illegal meat seizures have doubled over the past year, suggesting a rise in organized crime, as more meat is being smuggled into the UK in fewer vehicles.
These smuggled meats often bypass critical health checks, leaving British agriculture vulnerable to diseases like African swine fever, a highly contagious virus currently spreading across Europe’s pig populations.
Farmers and MPs are urging the Chancellor to allocate more resources in next week’s Budget to strengthen border controls and prevent the virus from entering the UK.
National Farmers’ Union President Tom Bradshaw expressed concern that government actions might fall short, emphasizing that African swine fever could “spread rapidly through our pig herd,” with disastrous impacts on food security.
The surge in illegal meat imports is likely tied to higher pork import restrictions, increasing meat prices, and a shift toward organized criminal activity. Although red meat appears to account for most of the seized goods, the exact breakdown by type—beef, pork, or lamb—remains unclear.
African swine fever has no treatment or vaccine and leads to high fatality rates in infected pigs. Conservative MP Dr. Neil Hudson, who has firsthand experience from the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, is calling for a £2.8 billion investment to refurbish the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Hudson emphasized that immediate action is needed to “prevent future catastrophe,” warning that an outbreak of African swine fever could inflict economic damage similar to the £8 billion impact of the 2001 outbreak (equivalent to £14.5 billion).
Home Office figures reveal that Border Force seizures of illegal meat rose from nearly 35,000 kg in 2022/23 to over 70,000 kg in 2023/24, with projections indicating further increases. Officials worry that the actual volume of illegal meat entering the UK is far higher than reported.
The data also indicates fewer but larger seizures, raising concerns about organized smuggling networks. Dr. Hudson remarked, “If there are fewer people being caught, it suggests organized crime involvement.”
Despite new post-Brexit border checks at Dover, critics argue these systems may not adequately control illegal imports, as checks occur 22 miles from the port. Parliament’s Environment Select Committee had planned an investigation but was halted due to the recent general election.
While the government has committed £3.5 billion to Dover’s border infrastructure, no additional funds have been allocated for smaller ports. Labour MPs are concerned that focusing solely on Dover could drive criminal activity to other UK ports.
A government spokesperson affirmed that African swine fever has not yet entered the UK and cited “strict import controls” and collaboration with Border Force as safeguards to protect UK biosecurity.
