Awards body Food & Drink Qualifications (FDQ) has launched a new HACCP awareness award, designed to help food handlers new to the industry.

Eblex has announced it has launched a new-look website for the retail and meat processing industry.

Suffolk-based Gressingham Foods is to launch two new poussin products for the retail market as the first in a series of own-brand launches.

A cooked meat supplier to Asda has hit back at allegations it discriminated against British workers following newspaper allegations at the weekend.

Plans for a new regional abattoir in the Midlands have been turned down by planners.

An Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) inquiry into the treatment of migrant and agency workers in the meat and poultry processing sector has found alleged “widespread mistreatment” across the industry.

Skills council Improve is to launch a major new qualification in food manufacturing. Employees from Swizzels Matlow and Kensey Foods will be the first to take the new ‘Excellence’ qualification in April, both companies having been involved in the development of the programme.

Systems Integration are inviting food processing businesses to ‘recalibrate’ their profitability with the launch of ‘integreater’ at Foodex this month (March).

Minister for Public Health Gillian Merron has formally announced that the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) will be dissolved and brought into a new Food Standards Agency (FSA) Operations Group.

Pork Farms, a meat processor based in Shaftesbury, is in consultation with its staff over laying off 90 of its 155 workers.

Levy rates for the livestock sector are set to remain the same for the forthcoming year, according to the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board.

Job roles including factory managers, production staff and marketing are the main skill gaps for the food sector, according to a survey from a top recruiter.

Mosques in Birmingham have called for consumers and processors to be made more of aware of machine slaughtering used in halal meat production.

Vegans are to be given the same protection against discrimination as religious groups, according to reports.

Animal rights activists in Switzerland have failed in a bid to have animals represented by lawyers in a nationwide referendum over the weekend.

Food Standards Agency (FSA) chief executive Tim Smith backed calls that CCTV should be installed in UK abattoirs, in a recent interview with a national newspaper.

A Welsh pie producer is set to honour some “British greats” with a special pie award, during British Pie Week (1-7 March).

Cancer bosses have dismissed a report by the US meat industry, which it claimed cast doubt on links between meat and cancer, as “more spin than science”.

The important role that Welsh Lamb plays in the Welsh economy has been highlighted by new figures, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales’ (HCC) has revealed.

Multi-industry union Unite and supermarket giant Asda are launching a joint initiative to end “discrimination and unfair treatment” at Asda’s meat and poultry suppliers.

Consumer publication Which? has given the Food Standards Agency (FSA) an overall positive review to celebrate the Agency’s 10th anniversary.

Climate change continues to dominate the headlines and will be the main topic of conversation at the annual Outlook Conference in London in April.

Highland Game is hoping for healthy sales with the news another supermarket has signed up to offer its new diet-friendly sausage.

Increased demand for alternative steak cuts is paying off for wholesalers, processors and catering butchers with benefits including improved beef carcase balance and increasing prices of under-used primals, Eblex has claimed.

Cranswick has played down newspaper reports it is set to storm the UK snack market with the creation of a meat crisp.

The former director of a chicken processing factory has been jailed for four years for helping to traffic illegal immigrants into the country – many of whom were working in his factory.

Scottish meat bosses are calling on the UK's Chancellor to take action over the UK's meat inspection and BSE regulatory regime, or run the risk of job losses and reduced tax revenues.

Cranswick, the leading producer of pigmeat, bacon, sausages and sandwiches delighted the stock market with a robust trading statement for the three-month period to end December.

Vion Haverhill will lose approximately 180 jobs with proposals to re-organise operations of its cooked meats business with the “aim of improving operational efficiencies”.

Animal charity the RSPCA has called for all abattoirs to have CCTV installed in them to improve animal welfare.

NFU president Peter Kendall has been re-elected for a third term after securing more than 75% of the vote from NFU Council members.

A total of 15 prizes were presented at the annual Institute of Meat and Meat Training Council Awards at Butchers’ Hall, London. Prizewinners came from widely differing meat industry backgrounds and ages.

Businesses are being invited to tender for new government contracts for the collection, slaughter, salvage and disposal of cattle infected by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in England and Wales.

A final labelling code of practice for pork has been launched today (Tuesday) by Defra Secretary of State Hilary Benn at the NFU conference in Birmingham.

The Scottish government has put forward £250,000 to educate children about the food chain, the benefits of eating seasonal produce and career opportunities within the food industry.

The Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) plans at least 38,000sq ft of office space to house its facilities, costing up to £10m.

As many as 3,000 jobs would be created in a new halal-themed business park in south Wales.

Scottish producers are hoping to appeal to health conscious consumers with the launch a new healthier bacon.
The bacon, which features 25% less salt and 20% less fat, was developed as part of a £40,000 Quality Meat Scotland project, match funding by Scottish Enterprise.

Morrisons is claiming to be the first major UK supermarket chain to gain Red Tractor status across its entire fresh meat range, a move it claims reaffirms its commitment to British farming.

Current issues in the food industry will be put under the spotlight during a free half-day event at Cranfield University. Sessions will be delivered by expert academics from Cranfield Health and Cranfield School of Management.

Growing consumer demand for quality local sausage has led one Cumbrian producer to invest £250,000 in expanding its production. Plumgarths of Kendal's new production facility was officially opened this week by IGD chief executive, Joanne Denney-Finch OBE.

Employees of Cranberry Foods have become the first recipients of Food and Drink Qualification’s new award in poultry meat inspection, the company has announced.

Provision Trade Federation (PTF) out-going chairman Tony Stanton has warned suppliers to be wary over demands to cut animal products for the environment.

Former NFU director general Richard Macdonald CBE has been snapped up by poultry giant Moy Park in a non-executive director role.

Macdonald takes up the position this month, and will join the Moy Park Board working closely with the executive team and CEO, Nigel Dunlop.

At least 25% of meat in the UK has arrived from overseas farms that do not have to meet national standards of animal welfare, it has been revealed.

Hall Mark Meat Hygiene has been awarded a Gloucestershire Beacon in recognition of best practice and innovation.

A former NHS boss is to take over the top job at the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), it was announced this week.
Tom Taylor will be stepping into the AHDB’s chief executive position later this year, replacing Kevin Roberts who leaves to head up the National Farmers Union in April.

Muslim scholars have rejected calls for mechanical slaughtering in the UK halal meat industry, a survey commissioned by the Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) has revealed.

The NFU has requested that EU rules on animal welfare in the UK be held off until other countries in Europe have put their own regulations in place.

Retailers need to pay a fair price to their suppliers in order to main choice and standards in their business, Waitrose managing director Mark Price has said.

Large areas of a meat processing outlet in Hanging Wood Way, Cleckheaton have burnt down after being hit by fire.

The US will continue to ban imports of haggis, despite numerous reports suggesting it was now legal to export the minced offal product across the Atlantic.

A film examining the major players in the US agriculture industry opened in the UK on Friday.

The British Pie Awards will return in 2010 to seek out the best products from across the UK. Butchers, bakers and manufacturers will all be able to compete to take home the title of “Supreme Champion” at Melton Mowbray on 19 May.

Scotch meat bosses are hoping to create a revolution on the football terraces up and down the country with the launch of a new healthy eating pie.

Pork is "better than Viagra", according to South American politicians and UK pig farmers are now hoping to spread the word this Valentine's Day.

Pork rose in a declining market for both lamb and beef last year, up 3% compared to lamb, which was down 9%. Beef sales were cut by 3%. As a result, pork grew its share of the meat market by 10% in December on the previous year.

Irish meat exports into the UK faced a very tough time last year, according to Aidan Cotter, chief executive, Bord Bía (Irish Food Board). The sterling/euro differential reduced their value by 30% over 2007. Sterling declined against the euro by 18% in 2008 and a further 12% in 2009.

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has been accused of being on an "anti-meat crusade" after it reportedly refused to acknowledge claims that its high-profile report linking meat and cancer was found to have "significant" flaws. However, the WCRF has hit back, branding the accusations as "outrageous" and "ludicrous", and claiming any flaws were too minor to have affected overall conclusions.

Sheep meat production is likely to fall to 294,000t by the end of 2010, a reduction of 4% on 305,000t on the previous year.

Actor Richard E Grant has revealed that working on 1980s cult film Withnail and I put him off eating meat.

A series of rustling episodes in Northumberland may have led to stolen meat entering the domestic market.

More than 70 new exhibitors are set to make their debut at Foodex 2010, the UK’s leading meat exhibition. The new arrivals will be joining a strong list of over 200 firms, such as Handtmann, Reiser, Interfood Technology, Marel and Ishida Europe, which the organiser, William Reed Business Media, claimed demonstrated the continuing strength of the Foodex brand.

Bernard Matthews could cut a further 160 staff at its Great Witchingham plant in Norfolk due to unprofitability in the whole bird market.

The West Cornwall Pasty Co is to expand its business and add another 15 shops and kiosks to its operation in 2010.

Pet food firm Butcher’s Pet Care is to embark on a major factory build that will keep its operations and 200 staff in Crick, Northamptonshire.

The meat industry’s leading charity, the Butchers’ & Drovers’ Charitable Institution (BDCI) is aiming for a modern new look with the launch of a new logo.

Food supplier Harrisons Poultry has announced it is continuing to trade despite going into administration in January.

A new toolkit to help food and drink manufacturers improve their environmental performance has been launched by the Environment Agency.

A fire has caused minor disruption at Vion's Haverhill plant. Early reports have suggested extensive smoke damage following the discovery of a fire in the cooked ham sector of the facility.

A Romanian-born cow aged over 30 months was not tested for BSE before being slaughtered in the UK.

A future Conservative government would split up the Food Standards Agency (FSA) as part of its plan to improve public health strategies.

Welsh meat processors are being offered training opportunities in a bid to maintain standards within the sector.

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is offering support to small and medium sized abattoirs and processors to help them implement quality management procedures.

Meat bodies have welcomed a move by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to seek Ministerial approval to change the law on Skin-on Sheep meat production.

A group of young farmers have been given expert training by processors as part of a special scheme to support the Welsh lamb industry.

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales believes experienced people could take over some of the official vet’s duties in meat processing plants.

A unique study is under way to look at changing trends in the consumption of halal meat in England.
The research, which is the first of its kind, has been commissioned by the newly-formed Halal Steering Group, established by Eblex with key industry figures to guide work in the halal sector and act as a forum for issues related to halal meat.

The number of food and drink sector deals involving UK firms fell by 30% to just 70 last year, comapred with 132 in 2007.

An independent inquiry into farmer support in Scotland suggests using area-based payments to address falling livestock numbers.

The interim report, produced by chairman Brian Pack, says future support should consist of four strands: direct payments, a top-up fund, rural development programme funding and Less Favoured Area support.

Good news for meat lovers, US doctors are claiming the Atkins diet is better at cutting blood pressure than weight-loss pills.

Haggis sales are soaring as the Scottish nation prepares for its annual celebration of Burns’ Night tonight. Haggis sales for 2009 surged by 19% to £8.8m on the previous year, with Scottish leaders proclaiming the increase as a vote of confidence in Scottish produce.

The Meat Training Council (MTC) has donated equipment for a new state-of-the-art regional food academy at Harper Adams University.

Ditching a diet of meat for imitations such as tofu and Quorn could be more damaging to the environment, a report from a charity has found.

Demand for Welsh Lamb remains buoyant despite the recession, leading to increased sales overseas and improved prices for producers at home, claimed bosses this week.
“It’s been an encouraging year for farmers and prices have held up well,” said Rees Roberts, chairman of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales.

A leading poultry boss has made a move into fish, with the purchase of iconic fish and chip chain Harry Ramsdens.

Meat assurance schemes have been rebranded under the Red Tractor logo to create clearer labelling for shoppers.

This year’s Bpex and Eblex Outlook Conference will focus on climate change and how it affects consumer perception and the working of the supply chain, as well as forecasts for 2010 and beyond.

Aberdeen Scotch Meat has been put into liquidation. The company, based in Inverurie, supplies meat to the catering trade, but has been badly hit by the recession.

McDonald’s beef and pork patty manufacturer Esca Food Solutions has been awarded the British Safety Council’s (BSC) Sword of Honour, the most prestigious international health and safety accolade.

A chicken processing company has been fined for illegal operation of its West Yorkshire slaughterhouse.

Yorkshire Poultry Products Ltd admitted one offence at Bradford Magistrates’ Court of operating its slaughterhouse at Hammerton Street in Bradford without an environmental permit.

British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) bosses were back on the recruitment trail as news broke that a second member of staff will be crossing over to industry.

The meat industry is likely to face more government intervention unless it gets its house in order, was the warning from Food Standards Agency (FSA) chief executive Tim Smith.

Country of origin labelling is not a "top priority" for consumers, according to new research by the Food Standards Agency.
A new study by the FSA, pulled together from five separate pieces of research, claimed that while there was an awareness of country of origin labelling it was not a main concern for consumers when shopping.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has raided the culinary history books to find warming winter dishes for late-season Scotch Lamb.

Slaughtermen caught abusing animals in secret filming at the Tom Lang slaughterhouse in Devon have had their licences revoked, the MHS has announced.

Environmentalists will once again call for a reduction in meat consumption, with the publication of a new report next week.

Tim Bastable has joined Holme Farmed Venison as its procurement manager, with responsibility for overseeing the procurement process, including sourcing stock – both as finished animals for processing and as calves for growing.

The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) is looking to reward advances in humane slaughter techniques.

The government has announced it is to begin consulting on the creation of a body to oversee supermarkets’ relationships with suppliers.

Kevin Brennan, consumer minister with the department for business, innovation and skills, has accepted the Competition Commission's recommendation for an ombudsman to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, and will launch a consultation on the issue next month.

Scottish agri-business ANM Group has announced it is to close its Highland Country Foods processing unit in Forres, leading to a number of job losses.

Almost half the workforce at Welsh Country Foods’ Gaerwen plant in Anglesey look set to lose their jobs following a massive restructure.

Owner VION blamed shoppers for choosing cheaper meats over lamb and said projections of processing volumes did not point to a return to previous levels of activity in the short to medium term. It plans to transfer retail packing operations from Gaerwen to the VION site at Winsford.

A recent Eblex promotion has been hailed its most successful ever, attracting more than 35,000 consumer entries.

A co-founder of a leading turkey brand has passed away aged 80, her family has announced.

Pork Farms is looking to cut 70 jobs at its plant in Nottingham as a result of increased automation. The Nottingham-based pork pie producing company has just undertaken an £11m investment, installing new infrastructure and equipment, which has led to the need to cut the workforce.

Bernard Matthews has revealed plans to extend its plant at Halesworth in Suffolk. The company has applied to local Waveney District Council for an extension that would extend production and storage areas.

Pork industry body Bpex has launched its annual survey to gauge the ‘state of the nation’ in pigs.

Falling livestock numbers threaten to derail the Scottish meat industry and cause lasting damage.

The stark warning comes from Alan Craig, president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW), who said unless production was rebuilt, Scotland’s international reputation as a source of quality meat would be seriously diminished.

Two new degree courses aim to address a skills shortage in the food and farming sector.

Food and drink manufacturers are disappointed at the outcome of the Copenhagen climate conference, according to the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

Scottish food companies are being encouraged to recycle their waste and help power the region.

With landfill tax set to rise by £8 per tonne each year until at least 2013, Scottish Water Horizons - the commercial arm of Scottish Water - is keen to hear from businesses that have solid and liquid waste that could be turned into electricity.

An abattoir in South Wales has relaunched after a refurbishment which should help increase production and promote locally-sourced beef, lamb and pork.

Food and drink companies are being asked for their views on new qualifications designed to boost skills and knowledge in the sector.

Environmental campaigners have hit out at the Government’s Food 2030 strategy for failing to address the problem of “environmentally-destructive factory farming”.

The government is to set out its first major food strategy since the Second World War, amid a storm of media reports which claim it will be urging people to go vegetarian.
Defra minister Hilary Benn is to launch the strategy, entitled Food 2030, at the Oxford Farming Conference this morning. However, the Daily Mail has already claimed the report will urge people to stop eating red meat – a claim denied by Defra, which said the report is urging people to eat a healthy and sustainable diet.

Welsh Lamb will be on more dinner plates in Luxembourg after it was featured in a prime time television programme.

Dunbia has teamed up with St Patrick’s Academy in Dungannon to help students pass their exams.

The meat processor’s new product development (NPD) team has tasked four ‘A level’ home economics students with investigating the meat buying habits of consumers as well as developing two new products from their research findings.

The meat industry has been paying its respects after prominent halal campaigner David Taylor MP, 63, passed away over the Christmas holidays, following a heart attack on Boxing Day.

High-quality halal meat will be on the menu for Olympic athletes after Games officials approved The European Halal Development Agency’s Standard for all halal products.

The Meat Training Council (MTC) has kitted out 2 Sisters Food Group’s new state-of-the-art learning centre to help staff achieve key qualifications.

Elan Valley Mutton has scooped a gold award at this year’s Welsh True Taste Food and Drink Awards.

Animal Aid has withdrawn claims that a farm next to an abbatoir where it filmed alleged chicken cruelty is Soil Association certified.

Scotland’s biggest meat processing business J.W. Galloway has seen a £4.1m rise in pre-tax profits to £5.9m, on turnover up £34.6m to £154m in the 53 weeks to 1 March.

The Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) is urging farmers and hauliers in England and Wales to ensure they meet the new Food Chain Information (FCI) regulation when sending cattle, sheep and goats to market.

British butchers aiming for a management role are being encouraged to book a flight to Denmark.

The Danish Meat Trade College (DMTC) in Roskilde has places on its one-week manager training programme, starting on 24 January, teaching practical skills as well as providing an essential grounding in general management

Fears are growing over the future of the second-biggest producer of Melton Mowbray pork pies following reports that the factory had closed.

Chappell’s Fine Foods in Wigston is one of only nine companies in and around Leicestershire entitled to make the famous pork pies. Its factory has recently closed, causing other firms to work over-time to meet demand.

The PM’s wife Sarah Brown showed her support for the British turkey industry when she accepted a 5kg Christmas bird at No 10.

Scottish minister Richard Lochhead has accepted the recommendation by Quality Meat Scotland to up levy rates.

Organic bosses have hit back at animal activists over claims secret filming showed alleged cruelty against one of its members farms.

Animal Aid published secretly filmed footage at what it said was Otter Valley Poultry, a farm it claimed had Soil Association (SA) approval, a claim denied by the SA.

Tripe experts from all over the world have been consulted by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) during the creation of a new guide to help processors realise the potential of offal.

Animal Aid has announced it has obtained further footage of alleged cruelty, this time against birds in an organic and free-range poultry farm in Devon.

The animal rights organisation filmed secret footage on two occasions in November and December 2009 at Otter Valley Poultry where it has alleged cruelty towards chickens.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned slaughterhouse operators and livestock keepers that they will soon have to ensure that Food Chain Information (FCI) is provided for all cattle, sheep and goats sent for slaughter.

Anglo Beef Processors (ABP) is launching a student bursary scheme for young people wanting a career as a farmer, food technologist or in the processing industry.

Pie-starved Lancastrians can now get hold of their favourite products online. Holland’s Pies enjoys brand recognition on a par with Coca-Cola in the north west, claims the firm, but its new online store marks the first time the brand will be available to those outside the region.

Agriculture’s contribution to climate change needs to be kept in perspective, according to a leading Conservative MEP.

Richard Ashworth, speaking at AgriLIVE Smithfield’s Big Debate, said agriculture was very much in the second division when it came to industries causing climate change. “Climate change is a threat to industry,” he told visitors to the show in Stoneleigh last week, “and we in farming have to understand we are seen as part of the problem.

European Union regulatory approval has been granted for two Brazilian financial groups to take over major Brazil meat companies JBS SA and Bertin SA.

Eblex has unveiled an ambitious export marketing programme for winter 2010, which includes exhibitions and roadshows in France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Dubai and Cyprus, while breeding stock exports will be promoted in the Ukraine and France.

Halal issues within the meat sector are to be given greater focus following the establishment of a new industry group.

Workers at a 2 Sisters site in Smethwick are being balloted for strike action over the sacking of 59 staff members in October.

UK food and drink manufacturers have reduced their carbon emissions by 19% since 1990 – the equivalent of one million tonnes of CO2, according to a new report from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

Bishops Castle abbatoir has now re-opened with the help of 60 shareholders after a two-year closure.

The three-species abbatoir was bought and upgraded by Daysdrove Holdings in the summer, after the group of local farmers and businesses invested in the project to become shareholders of the new limited company.

Secret filming by animal rights group Animal Aid has resulted in the suspension of three slaughtermen at a Devon-based abattoir and potential prosecution.

Tom Lang slaughterhouse near Newton Abbot, which processes both organic and non-organic meat, has had visits from both the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) and the Soil Association after secret Animal Aid filming was released to the media and authorities showing alleged cruelty to animals.

A meat industry entrepreneur has been honoured for her work to put more British meat in school meals.

Karen McQuade, boss of The UK Foodhall, won the everywoman Demeter Award after judges said her hard work and determination had meant more than 60% of all meat products on school menus was now British and Red Tractor-assured, compared with less than 10% two years ago.

Abattoir lorry wash users have the chance to get some early Christmas cheer by taking part in a survey of facilities.

New research from IGD reveals that 85% of food manufacturers have either stepped up their investment in sustainability or kept it the same during the recession, despite just over two-fifths (42%) believing it is not yet high enough on the shopper’s agenda.

A new code of practice on the labelling of pork products is to be drawn up following an agreement by pork producers, processors and retailers.

Yorkshire Dales Meat Company has won the Best Fresh Meat Product Category in the Deliciouslyorkshire Awards for its Aberdeen Angus Seven Week Matured Sirloin Steak.

New voluntary guidelines for food and drink companies should help them better communicate information on portion size.

Scottish meat businesses are celebrating after getting big cash hand-outs from the Scottish government.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has called on the European Parliament to make country-of-origin labelling mandatory on processed meats.

All meat served at the 2012 London Olympics will be UK farm-assured after organisers vowed to hold the most sustainable Games in history.

The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) will procure UK Red Tractor Assured food wherever seasonally possible; meat at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be fully traceable and will have been produced to strict standards from farm to venue.

Paul McCartney has taken his campaign for ‘meat-free Mondays’ to a European Parliament hearing, although he received political brickbats for his trouble.

Scotland Food & Drink has unveiled new growth targets of £12.5bn for the Scottish food and drink industry, after urging further collaboration at its AGM last week.

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is urging the Chancellor to use Wednesday’s Pre-Budget Report to outline clearly the ways in which the Government will help UK food manufacturers.

Anglo Beef Processors (ABP) has revealed plans to close its abattoir in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Suffolk meat company C&K Group has unveiled plans to build a multi-species plant, serving the East Anglia region, in a project backed by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

A leading cancer organisation has said men are less aware that eating processed meat, such as bacon and ham, increases the risk of cancer even though men eat double the amount women do.

A proposal for a high-tech chicken plant in Suffolk, commissioned by two poultry firms and which could create 900 jobs, is being considered.

A poultry processor in Northern Ireland has blamed changes to EU legislation for forcing it to review company operations, with the possible loss of around 140 jobs.

Meat bosses have slammed as “unacceptable” the hygiene problems found in meat plants during a visit by European inspectors into the UK sector.

Inspectors from the EU’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) found “serious shortcomings” in two of the 12 food premises visited during a mission to audit whether official controls were being applied across the UK meat and milk sectors.

Pork processor Tulip has announced plans to build a new sausage production facility in Bromborough, creating at least 270 new jobs.

According to reports, it would appear the government is looking to distance itself from the suggestion it "endorsed" a report that called for a 30% reduction in livestock production (see report below).

A union representing abattoir vets has called off its proposed strike action over a dispute on union recognition.

The future of livestock supply will be under the microscope as part of a key debate during the new AgriLIVE Smithfield show next month.

The Faccenda Group has been fined a total of almost £5,000 for incorrectly disposing of waste at one of its chicken processing plants in Wiltshire.

Scottish venison specialist Highland Game has secured a major contract with the London pub group Young’s.

Snowbird Foods is celebrating a “Magnificent Seven” when it comes to winning awards in food competitions through 2009.

Two leading Food Standards Agency directors are to step down and their areas are being merged into one as part of the ongoing restructuring of the FSA.

The Welsh Assembly has announced that its Rural Development sub-committee is to undertake an inquiry into animal welfare and meat hygiene at abattoirs and slaughterhouses in Wales.

Supermarkets are likely to put even greater pressure on suppliers in a bid to cut costs in the current economic climate, a former Tesco buyer has warned.

Tulip-owned Danepak is set to appear on television screens this Sunday as part of its recent sponsorship deal with the Variety Club’s Showbiz Awards.

A Vion training initiative has proven successful, with eight supervisors achieving a management qualification following a work-based course.

UK Halal meat took a step closer to gaining an assurance scheme, such as the Red Tractor standard, after a meeting between campaigners and Defra.

People don’t have to ditch meat to save the planet, but they will have to eat less and switch to non-intensive produce, a new report has found.

The report, released by Friends of the Earth (FOE) and Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), models future food production against different diets. It concludes that by limiting consumption to three times a week, people could make a big difference to the planet.

Unite has hailed a Budgens boss a “local hero” for supporting sacked 2 Sisters workers by removing the processor’s products from his shelves.

The meat industry faces a “winter of discontent” after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) gave the green light to full cost recovery of UK meat hygiene inspections.

Meat processor Dunbia has hit back at claims by union Unite that workers in Sawley, Lancashire, suffer a pay cut when taking a toilet break.

A case held at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 4 November saw Birmingham Halal Abattoir ordered to pay out a fine, following a prosecution by Severn Trent Water for breach of trade effluent consent in a Severn Trent sewer network.

An unfair system of levy income distribution means Wales is missing out on £1m a year, according to Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) – Meat Promotion Wales.

British bacon, sausage and ham exports are hitting new heights with the Republic of Ireland remaining the largest market.

Red meat processor Dunbia has been named ‘Own Brand Supplier of the Year 2009 – Best for Innovation’ by Sainsbury’s at the retailer’s annual supplier conference.

Trading Standards officers raided a farm in Gloucestershire and discovered sheep being illegally slaughtered in unhygienic conditions, a court heard.

A judge at a sentencing hearing has described as “wicked and deliberate” the actions of three men who breached meat hygiene regulations at a Yorkshire meat processing plant.

The economic squeeze is forcing meat companies to cut spending on training, particularly when it comes to hygiene and cleaning, a leading awards body has warned.

Trade union Unison has announced that vets working for one of the biggest suppliers of vets to the Meat Hygiene Service are balloting for strike action in a dispute over union recognition.

The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) is calling for applications for its 2010 Dorothy Sidley Memorial Scholarships.

A leading haggis producer is hoping to reinvent the Scottish national dish with the launch of a new microwaveable haggis.

The reputation of Welsh Lamb among consumers in is continuing to grow, beating off competition from across the UK, according to new research released this week.

Pig prices are continuing to fall, according to producers, who fear the tumbling daily average price (DAPP) could soon see returns below the cost of production.

Bernard Matthews has announced his intention to stand down as director of the Norfolk company he founded in 1950.

Matthews will retire as the director of Bernard Matthews Farms’ holding board after his 80th birthday in January. He will remain chairman of the recently established supervisory board, which represents the interests of the company’s shareholders.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning that a cow slaughtered in England had not been tested for BSE.

Processors are being given extra time to be in with a chance of scooping a prestigious title under MTJ’s new Meat & Poultry Processing Awards.

The deadline for entries has now been extended by two weeks to 13 November and judges will be looking forward to assessing some of the best businesses in the UK sector.

Up to 375 jobs are at risk following a decision by Danish giant Tulip to consider shutting down its fresh sausage production at its Peckham factory.

People will have to consider giving up meat in order to halt climate change, an influential authority on global warming has warned.

Lord Stern, the author of the 2006 Stern Review on the cost of tackling global warming, said that “a vegetarian diet is better” and predicted that eating meat could one day become as socially unacceptable as drink-driving.

Eight out of 10 people want country-of-origin labels on meat and poultry mainly so that they can buy British. New Which? research found the labels were also deemed useful for judging quality or simply because consumers were interested in knowing where food comes from.

A Lincolnshire processor has been fined £10,000 after ammonia from its refrigeration units escaped into a nearby stream, causing the death of more than 100 fish.

The industry must take action over meat consumption before the government is forced to impose draconian measures, the leader of WWF-UK has warned.

Speaking at the Sustainable Consumption Institute conference recently, WWF-UK chief executive David Nussbaum called for a consumption-based approach to sustainability.

An ethically-minded Northern Ireland food company has won a contract to supply sausages to Waitrose stores across the UK.

The United States has lost patience with the European Union (EU) over its ban on imports of poultry carcases treated with four types of chemicals – effectively blocking most American chicken from sale.

The Migration and Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended that skilled meat boners and trimmers should be added to the list of jobs most in need of immigrant labour.

The MAC’s recommendations were based on a partial review of the shortage occupation lists for the UK and Scotland, which are used alongside Tier 2 of the points-based system for managing immigration.

European Union (EU) food commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel has warned the European Union’s (EU) meat industry is threatened with “disaster” by the EU foot-dragging over approving genetically modified (GM) foodstuffs.

Meat has helped drive a recession-defying increase in UK food exports so far this year, latest figures show.

According to new research commissioned by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), exports of food and non-alcoholic have drinks bucked the recessionary trend and were up 10.2% to £4.82bn in the first six months of the year.

Welsh pie manufacturer Peter’s Food is targeting the youth market with a new range of classic recipe meaty slices.

Chitty Foods is under investigation by Surrey Police over allegations that it mislabelled meat at its former Guildford abattoir.

Industry sources have suggested that the alleged offences could include falsely labelling meat as organic and labelling imported meat as British.

Unite has accused 2 Sisters of “behaviour more akin to a 19th-century mill owner” after the poultry processor sacked 59 people from its Smethwick site.

The Argentine beef industry is set to double exports this year, bosses revealed at Anuga. Exports are set to rise from 300,000t last year to more than 600,000t, according to the Argentine Beef Promotion Institute (IPCVA).

The meat industry must not become the “whipping boy” over the environment, said John Cross, chairman of Eblex.

The meat processing industry is stuck in a “high-cost regulatory time-warp”, according to the new president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW).

A future Conservative government would insist that all Whitehall departments serve food that meets British production standards.

Anglo Beef Processors (ABP) has announced the acquisition of the Chitty Food Group’s abattoir and boning plant in Guidlford, Surrey

An important market for pork has been re-opened following lengthy negotiations with the South Korean authorities.

The country used to be a valuable export market, pig bosses said, but was closed to UK product following the 2007 foot-and-mouth outbreak.

EBLEX has moved quickly to reassure the independent retail trade and small and medium-sized abattoir sector that its Quality Standard scheme for beef and lamb will continue to operate and be supported.

Are you the best plant manager in the business? Or is your operation the best in the UK?

If you want answers to these questions then sign up to the new Meat & Poultry Processing Awards.

US giant Smithfield is to target the UK market for the first time with fresh pork. The company, one of the world’s largest pork producers, is aiming to becoming a viable third option for UK and EU industry, competing with Tulip and Vion.

Pig producers have launched a broadside attack on the retail sector, accusing them of squeezing processors “until the pip squeaks”.

A new range of branded bacon is being launched by Denhay Farms in a bid to revitalise the market for streaky bacon. The company said its Spoiltpig streaky bacon, which is produced from pork reared to RSPCA Freedom Food standards, is aiming to remind consumers of the taste of streaky.

Four of Brazil’s leading beef suppliers have signed on the dotted line to support a ban on the purchase of cattle from illegally deforested areas of the Amazon.

At an official signing ceremony in Sao Paulo recently, JBS-Friboi, Marfrig, Bertin and Minerva, all signed up to the Greenpeace scheme.

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers' (AIMS) annual conference kicks off this year with the opportunity to visit chairman John Geldard's farm.

Food standards bosses have revealed more than 65% of poultry tested at retail level contains bacteria capable of food poisoning.

A study by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) took more than 3,000 samples of fresh chicken from retail shelves and found campylobacter was present in 65% of the samples. However, salmonella was detected in just 6%.

Asda and Sainsbury’s are under fire from UK beef bosses who have accused them of a lack of support for local production. The National Beef Association (NBA) said the most recent country-of-origin survey produced by the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board’s Meat Services (AHDB MS) team showed only 68% of fresh beef was British on Sainsbury’s shelves, while Asda stocked just 45%.

Workers are being warned about killer cattle in a new poster designed to help prevent injuries.

The poster, entitled ‘Cattle can kill - don’t let it be you’, advises that cows are unpredictable and capable of attacking and killing people, and has been sent to all approved premises that slaughter cattle, as well as to livestock markets.

AgriLIVE Smithfield is teaming up with key partners for the meat industry’s new food, technology and business event.

For those who want to know exactly how many animals are slaughtered in the UK (30 every second or 2.5m a day) the Humane Slaughter Association has created a new section on its website.

Livestock organisations have reacted angrily to a WWF report which calls on the government to take action over meat consumption.

WWF says that debate over meat consumption has reached a “deadlock” due to the complex environmental and nutritional issues surrounding meat. The charity wants to kick start a debate on consumption and has released a report written by the Food Ethics Council (FEC) outlining a range of possible government interventions.

The meat industry is being encouraged by Defra to take part in a consultation on the implementation of European legislation concerning the classification of carcases.

More risk-based proportionate controls for meat are at least five years away, admit Food Standards Agency (FSA) scientists.

The FSA will launch research projects later this year, working towards developing a risk-based regulatory regime for food which aims to protect public health and generate confidence in food.

A new Food and Drink from Wales Strategy will help to advise on the best way forward for the red meat, dairy, organic and horticulture sectors.

Welsh Assembly Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, said that various existing food strategies were being brought together in the forthcoming strategy, which is being worked on by the Food and Drink Advisory Partnership and the sector specific strategy groups.

Meat processor Dunbia were the big winners on the night at a charity gala evening organised by the Co-operative Retail Trading Group (CRTG).

Brazilian beef giant JBS has agreed to stop sourcing cattle from farms responsible for deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.

Following months of pressure from environmental campaign group Greenpeace, JBS has finally followed rivals Bertin and Marfrig in adopting moratorium on the purchase of cattle from suppliers linked to illegal deforestation.

Morrisons, KellyBronze and a Warrington butcher’s shop have been celebrating success in the 2009 British Turkey Awards.

Farmgate prices have claimed to have risen by one third since the establishment of the NI Red Meat Industry Task Force (TF) for the first time since 2005.

Scotland’s livestock supply balance is already on a knife-edge and cannot withstand further “interference”, according to the president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers.

Debbie & Andrew’s, best known for its sausages, is making its first foray into new markets with the launch of dual-branded Guinness pies.

HRH The Princess Royal has been elected as one of 15 assistants to the Court of the Worshipful Company of Butchers. She has agreed to serve as renter assistant this year and will become master next year.

Jeffrey Davies, who trades at Smithfield Market and has a factory in Gillingham, Kent, succeeds Brian Wheatley as master for the coming year.

Tesco and Morrisons have signed up to a campaign to improve country of origin labelling on meat products. The retail giants have agreed to back the Conservative Party’s ‘Honest Food’ campaign and provide more information to consumers about where its meat products come from.

The Red Tractor is set to replace quality meat standards logos after receiving state aid approval.

Charity, the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), and pressure group Food Ethics Council (FEC) have published a policy framework to discuss the connections between eating meat and climate change.

A three-species abattoir has said the appointment of a new general manager will maintain the momentum for an autumn re-opening of the Shropshire premises.

The meat industry will be given the opportunity to shine with the launch of MTJ’s new Meat & Poultry Processing Awards.

Wm Morrison is pushing ahead on all fronts at a quicker rate than its rivals. In the first half (26 weeks ended 2 August 2009), the retailer revealed a 45% jump in pre-tax profit to £449m from £309m last year. Sales rose by 5% to £7.5bn - ahead of its rivals and fuelled by growth in its butchers' shops and bakeries. Stripping out £91m in pensions credit and property sales, pre-tax profit climbed 22% to £395m.

Stephen Rossides has been appointed the new director of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA). He replaces Stuart Roberts, who steps down to join beef processor ABP at the end of the month.

Animal welfare bosses have urged people with evidence of animal welfare breaches to act promptly and inform the authorities.

Economic support agency Invest Northern Ireland has claimed it has saved firm Vion £470,000 in a programme aimed at cutting costs and increasing profitability.

One of the largest hog and pork producers in the world is to transform the company focus by specialising more on packaged meat.

Meat giant Marfrig has annnouced it has bought-out the entire operations of a Brazilian company owned by US firm Cargill in a deal worth $706.2m.

Turkey will still be number one with consumers this Christmas, claimed Bernard Matthews Farms (BMF). With purse strings tight in the economic environment, turkey will remain a cost-effective choice for feeding the family, according to BMF’s marketing director Matt Pullen.

The NFUS has claimed that traditional Scottish livestock production is under threat from “impractical” and “costly” transport proposals being driven by the European Commission.

Dutch processor Tulip is hoping to build on its position in the UK market with the appointment of a new UK chief executive.

A Scottish meat processing plant is to reduce job numbers in a bid to cut waste from the production cycle.

A row is brewing between the union Unite and poultry giant 2 Sisters, following the suspension of a number of workers in the Midlands.

Vion has announced its disposal of the former Grampian Thai poultry operation. The Netherlands-based company said it was selling Grampian Foods Siam to Navis Capital.

The Dalesman Group has announced the completion of a three-quarters-of-a-million pound extension to its business.

The Scottish venison industry has begun its three-year push to increase consumer demand for deer meat.

The Scottish Venison Working Group, which represents processors and producers, wants to raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits of Scottish wild and farmed venison.

The Black Farmer is celebrating after judges of the 2009 Great Taste Awards picked the brand's Dry Cured Hickory Smoked Back Bacon to receive one of its coveted Gold Awards.

Beef processors are missing out on a potential £95m income boost by failing to tuck in to the fifth-quarter export market, EBLEX has warned.

Animal activists have defended themselves against claims they sat on evidence of animal welfare breaches for up to two months.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has come under fire for its response to the ham-in-lunchboxes furore.

Event organisers of Foodex have said that the show has been gaining increasing support across the food and drinks industry since the rebrand in January.

The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) has produced a series of technical information posters to illustrate how to use slaughter equipment correctly.

A delegation of Chinese veterinarians arrive in the UK today (2 September) for a visit which could open the door to an agreement on exporting pig meat to China.

A total of four vets from the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration will be in the UK until 11 September to witness British pork production from farm to abattoir, cutting plants and export cold stores.

Shoppers across the UK are turning their backs on pre-packed supermarket meat and investing in primals direct from farms, a producer has claimed.

The college of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has announced it is to spearhead a regional training network drive in the Northern Irish food industry.

Animal rights activists have branded the concept of humane slaughter in UK abattoirs a “sham” after secret filming allegedly revealed welfare breaches at a number of slaughterhouses.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has written to the EU Commission calling for an immediate and complete halt on Brazilian beef imports.

IFA president Padriag Walshe wrote to EU Commissioner for Health & Consumer Protection, Androulla Vassiliou, asking her to take action to halt what he described as the “failed Brazilian process” of clearing farms for export to the EU.

Unilever meat brand Peperami has dropped the advertising agency it has used for 16 years and asked to the public to come up with a new campaign.

National advertisements for halal ready-meals were broadcast in France this week, in what is thought to be a first for mainstream European television.

Northern Ireland's meat levy body is to come under an independent strategic review, a minister has announced.

Minister for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle Gildernew said that she has met with Livestock & Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) executives regarding the review.

The Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) has announced it is to trial a series of meetings giving the chance for business operators to meet with management.

A Carlisle abattoir is under investigation by the Environment Agency for emitting “noxious smells”.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning that a bullock slaughtered near Sheffield has entered the food chain without being tested for BSE.

The final cheques are in and the cash all counted – the Butchers on Bike charity ride from London to Paris raised a grand total of around £50,000.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has responded to the Brazilian beef industry’s dismissal of attacks on Brazilian beef as protectionism and jealousy.

A leading food manufacturer has come under fire over allegations it is sourcing beef from a company allegedly involved in the illegal deforestation of the Amazon.

Butchers, supermarkets and sausage manufacturers are being urged to pull their best pork sausages out of the hat in the hunt for the country's most “magical” banger.

The BPEX competition marks the return of British Sausage Week, which will take place from from 2-8 November 2009.

An international private equity firm has announced the acquisition of an artificial sausage casings firm, worth €212.5m, from Montagu Private Equity, subject to approval.

BBC Three’s Kill It, Cook It, Eat It is to return for another series, this time exploring the ethics of meat consumption.

Northern Ireland has announced a new two-year campaign to accelerate its red meat sales to Europe.

A ‘bangers & mash’ pasty, complete with onion gravy, is just one of a handful of innovative versions of the ever-popular Cornish pasty to be launched next month.

A Northern Ireland processor has created almost 100 new jobs through the acquisition of a pork processing plant in Ballymena.

A cancer charity has urged parents to stop putting ham and other processed meat in their children’s packed lunches.

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has warned that if children are fed sandwich fillers such as ham and salami, they could develop a taste for processed meats, which would “increase their risk of developing cancer later in life”.

A leading pie manufacturer played host to Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King in recognition of its charity work.

The Chitty Food Group has been fined nearly £28,000 after admitting pumping too much waste into a waterway.

A second Brazilian beef exporter has agreed to stop sourcing cattle from farms involved in the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

The Brazilian beef industry has accused UK and Irish farming associations of resorting to “misinformation and bullying” to “impose themselves on the global market".

The Brazilian Embassy has denied claims that eating Brazilian meat will fuel the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

Bernard Matthews has revealed that it has entered into consultation with staff over job redundancies at two of its East Anglia plants.

The National Beef Association (NBA) has warned that the “most dominant” factor shaping the UK slaughter cattle market is short supplies.

A Scottish meat wholesaler has resumed trading just months after fire devastated its meat processing plant.

Campbells Prime Meat was forced to cancel meat orders after a fire ripped through its Broxburn cutting plant in May, but the company has now relocated to a £6m new facility near Falkirk.

The UK needs to radically rethink the way in which food is produced and processed if we are to enjoy food security in the future, Hilary Benn said today.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs secretary was talking at the launch of the country’s first food security assessment, which analyses the current state of the UK’s food supply and highlights the key challenges to a sustainable future.

Farming minister Jim Fitzpatrick is encouraging more food producers to apply for European protected status for the food they produce.

Stonleigh Park is to host a new technical business event, designed for producers, processors and retailers in the red meat supply chain.

Leading haggis producer Macsween has pointed out it was Scotland's greatest writer, not England's, who wrote in praise of the sheep innards delicacy, after recent research uncovered the fact that the haggis might be an English invention.

The concept of food miles can have little benefit on the environment and local production is not the answer to global warming, a Defra study has claimed.

Poor weather and the credit crunch are being blamed for putting around 95 jobs at risk with a leading poultry processor.

2 Sisters Food Group has announced that it will be making redundancies at its Willand plant, as a result of poor demand for seasonal barbecue products and increased demand for whole bird products, which require less labour to process.

Kepak UK has been fined a total of £45,000 after two employees at one of its butchery plants in Preston caught Legionnaires’ Disease.

Scottish meat bosses have accused the Food Standard Agency (FSA) chief executive of making “veiled threats”.

The president of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has slammed Brazil beef standards, calling for a ban and saying Brazil is treating the EU Commission with “contempt”.

In the wake of a recent Commission Food & Veterinary Office (FVO) report, Padraig Walshe said the study proves that Brazil's beef production "flies in the face of EU standards”.

Farming leaders have called on the government to act in full on the Competition Commission’s (CC) recommendation for a supermarket ombudsman.

The NFU said that the new Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), published by the CC yesterday (4 August), will only work if it has the backing of an ombudsman.

The Organic Trade Board (OTB) is fighting back against the bad press that organics faced last week, claiming that growth in the sector is still possible.

The Competition Commission (CC) has called on the government to establish an ombudsman to oversee disputes between retailers and their suppliers.

The CC has been trying to convince retailers to sign up to the arbitration scheme voluntarily, but the majority have failed to comply. The CC does not have the power to establish an ombudsman itself, so it has made a formal recommendation to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) that it should establish one.

A guide on processing fifth-quarter products, such as offal and cheeks, has been distributed to Scottish meat processing companies by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

Crispy pastry-topped turkey pies, stuffed turkey olives and smoked turkey drumsticks are among the new products shortlisted for the British Turkey Awards 2009.

Scottish red meat promotion and development body Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) will be joining British food producers to take part in the inaugural Defra EU Protected Food Names Roadshow.

Two biodynamic farmers have waded into the organic argument, claiming that organic standards “don’t go far enough”.

Butchers, meat suppliers and chefs are reporting an increasing demand for the range of economy speciality steaks developed by EBLEX.

Organic meat has no nutritional benefits over conventional meat, according to a report by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The study was led by a team of researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who reviewed all papers published over the past 50 years relating to the nutrient content and health differences between organic and conventional food.

A sausage manufacturer is looking to expand its offer to butchers nationwide. Simply Real Sausages are currently available from butchers in London and the south east, but the company is looking to widen its distribution.

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has revealed the final shortlist for its annual Community Partnership Awards.

The government has announced it will spend over £100m redeveloping the laboratory blamed for the 2007 foot and mouth outbreak.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills decided to invest in the Institute for Animal Health (IAH) at Pirbright, Surrey, following "extensive reviews of the UK’s needs for animal health research".

Meat suppliers looking to expand into the export market will be able to seek advice from a new, but familiar source.

ABP has announced the acquisition of Sturminster Newton Abattoir in Dorset. The company said the purchase added to its estate of strategically located beef processing facilities within the UK.

Nick Allen is to take over the reins as chief executive of EBLEX, the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) announced today.

A growing farming movement claims to produce better meat by bringing together the power of the moon and planets.

Lamb sales are on the increase as recession-hit consumers ditch restaurants and ready meals for home-cooked fare.

Results based on the shopping habits of 1.4m Tesco Clubcard customers shows that sales of fresh lamb have gone up 15% in volume during the last 12 months.

Consumers need more information about the impact of water-intensive foods such as meat, says a new report.

The report, produced by the Food Ethics Council (FEC) for Sustain to identify the best way to ‘score’ products on water issues, warned that “water scarcity will be one of the most pressing environmental, social and economic challenges of the coming decades”.

A Sourced market is to open at St Pancras Station, offering a range of fresh produce, including sustainably sourced meat.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has called on better co-operation between the supply chain to ensure the long-term future of British beef and lamb.

Scottish farming leaders have welcomed the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee’s vision for securing future food security.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a questionnaire to start evidence-gathering for its inquiry into meat and poultry processing.

The Commission is looking into the employment and recruitment practices of the meat processing industry and says it seeks to identify differences in pay and conditions between agency and temporary workers and employees with permanent or directly employed status.

The Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee has published a report on UK food security, concluding that the UK has a “moral obligation” to contribute to global food production.

A leading Halal meat supplier has hit out at the appointment of Lord Rooker to the chair of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) as “jobs for the boys”, and called for Muslim representation within quangos.

Naved Syed, MD of Janan Meats, said he was encouraged to apply for the role of chairman of the FSA and has been left disappointed by the Rooker appointment.

Two trips to the Continent to see aspects of the European industry are being planned by the UK meat industry’s professional education and training body, the Institute of Meat (IoM).

Extremist groups are using climate change as a “stick to beat the livestock industry”, the Welsh meat promotion board has warned.

Rees Roberts, chairman of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, has accused anti-meat organisations of “hijacking” the climate change agenda for their own purposes and making false claims about the impact of livestock production on the environment.

A non-pathogenic strain of the Ebola virus has been discovered in pigs in the Philippines.

Researchers found pigs infected with the Ebola-Reston (REBOV) virus while testing to find a cause for the severe respiratory infections that have plagued the country's swine herds.

Bishops Castle Meat, a Shropshire abattoir which has lain empty for two years, is set to re-open by the autumn.

Meat bosses have warned against over-simplistic labelling when it comes to environmental messages on meat products.

Cash-strapped consumers are increasingly turning to pork, while health has slipped down the agenda in the face of the economic downturn.

Around 40-50 people protested outside a Tesco annual general meeting in Glasgow, where a motion to demand better working conditions for agency meat workers was defeated.

Meat hygiene reform may be compromised after the move to increase Meat Hygiene Service charges by 4% was rejected, the head of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned today.

The Welsh meat industry could be sitting on a £3m goldmine if the laws on ‘skin-on sheep meat’ were relaxed, a report by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has revealed.

More than 20 jobs are expected to go in the meat trade in Scotland after Dunbia (Dornoch) lost a major contract. The company has lost a beef boning and packaging contract to North Highlands Products of Caithness, which produces the Mey Selections brand.

Meat hygiene bosses have agreed a deal with union leaders over pay and terms of conditions. The Meat Hygiene Service said Unison members had voted to accept the deal, following a period of negotiation.

Stuart Roberts is to step down as director of the British Meat Processors Association to take up a role with ABP. The BMPA management council announced it accepted his resignation and Roberts would be leaving later this summer.

The meat industry has welcomed the Food Standard Agency's (FSA) U-turn on increasing meat hygiene charging as a "pleasant surprise".

The Meat Hygiene Service is set to be taken in-house by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA has announced that planning for the merger between it and the MHS, which is currently an executive agency of the FSA, will commence shortly, with the operational work of the MHS forming the core of a new FSA Operations Group.

Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan has told the Welsh Assembly that the Pennington Report has shone a clear light on industry shortcomings.

Lord Rooker has been approved by the Health Select Committee (HSC) to become the new chair of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) by a narrow majority of just three to two.

In one of its biggest raids in the south west, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has arrested a dozen workers at a poultry farm and processing unit. Fifty officers from the agency swooped on Merryfield Farm, near Crediton, Devon, in the early morning raid.

The Food and Drink Qualifications (FDQ), a subsidiary company of the Meat Training Council (MTC), has recruited a new quality and accreditation manager to join its team.

The successful Fridge Raiders brand is aiming for further domination in the meat snacks market with the launch of a new brand extension - a chicken-on-a-stick.

Former farming minister Lord Rooker could possibly be making a return to front-line food policy as the chair of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) it has emerged.

Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef is being positioned to play a bigger part in the classroom following work by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales.

Meat eaters have a higher risk blood, bladder and stomach cancers, but not bowel cancer, a major new study has found.

The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, found that meat-eaters had a significantly higher risk of stomach cancer than those who do not eat meat, confirming earlier studies.

Are you the meat industry's answer to Jenson Button? The race is on for the inaugural BDCI Karting competition, in a bid to boost funds for the industry’s leading charity.

Lamb producers must be paid a stable and sustainable price to secure the long-term future of the sector, according to farming leaders.

A Cumbrian abattoir has been fined £5,000 after waste water from a treatment plant polluted a river.

Meat manufacturers could be missing out on cost savings by not maximising the potential of water efficiency, a sustainable business expert has warned.

A new scheme to restore confidence in pig farming in Scotland has been launched by Asda, Vion Food Group and Scottish Pig Producers.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has has called on retailers to introduce front-of-pack labelling on meat products advising shoppers to eat only three portions a week.

The Soil Association has welcomed a report from the University of Reading which said that organic farming is perhaps "mainstream agriculture in waiting.”

Food safety bosses have scrapped plans to introduce increases to Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) charging after running into opposition in the devolved UK authorities. However, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed the MHS will move to a system of time based charging when delivering official controls in meat plants.

Animal rights campaigners have erected poster with the slogan “meat kills” outside the hospital which treated the only person to die of swine flu in the UK.

Tulip has stepped up its emphasis on new product development with the appointment of an innovatons director to deliver major new product projects.

Butchers from the UK are being given the opportunity to go head to head against the European cousins in a bid to claim the title of Europe’s best deboner.

Scottish meat bosses have launched a major project which they claim will allow them to predict the eating quality of meat cuts. Meat processors in Scotland are to be offered new technology which will allow them to accurately measure the different factors in eating quality, such as tenderness, colour and fat levels.

Turtons of Devon has opened a new cutting plant in Willand to process locally produced meat for the catering trade.

European agriculture ministers have agreed on tough new animal welfare rules to minimise suffering at time of slaughter.

The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council adopted a new regulaton on Monday (22 June), which will come into force in 2013.

Anglo Beef Processors (ABP) has announced that it will now pay producers on the day that their cattle are weighed at the abattoir.

The processor has recently upgraded its IT system, which will ensure that producers get paid as soon as their cattle are processed.

A steak tasting challenge is aiming to reveal the best of Scottish beef at the Royal Highland show this week. Asda’s Extra Special steak tasting challenge will see more than 30 beef suppliers competing for the top title at the show.

Less than a third of Britons believe that eating processed meat will increase the risk of bowel cancer, a YouGov survey has revealed.

The survey of 2,249 people, which was commissioned by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), revealed that only 32% of Britons think that eating meats such as bacon and ham will increase their risk of cancer.

Entries to a prestigious award are now open for a person who is deemed to have made a substantial and lasting contribution to the British pig industry.

Vion is planning to close its frozen sausage facility in Cumbria, putting over 100 jobs at risk.

The Dutch processing giant wants to transfer all work currently undertaken at its Shap site to its processing plant in Hull, which has the capacity to produce sausages, burgers and other seasonal products.

A Yorkshire-based catering butcher is celebrating landing a new deal to supply a major supermarket chain. Yorkshire Dales Meat will supply Asda with its handmade premium beef burgers. The deal builds on the companies previous retailer success, having already signed a deal with Morrisons for its burgers and sausages.

Bernard Matthews has temporarily cut back the hours of employees at its processing plant at Great Witchingham, Norfolk.

Scotbeef boss Ian Galloway CBE is to be awarded an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow later this month. Galloway will receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery honorary degree in recognition of his contribution to food safety and animal welfare at a ceremony in the Bute Hall, University of Glasgow on 29 June 2009.

Dawn Meats has laid off 130 staff in Southern Ireland in a bid to rationalise operations.

The Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) is close to agreeing a new pay deal for meat inspectors, following a tense 18 months of negotiations.

UNISON, the workers union representing meat inspectors, has agreed to ballot its members on new terms and conditions, which the MHS says will “significantly improve” operational efficiency and flexibility for food business operators (FB0s).

The University of Bristol is offering the meat industry the chance to pick up new skills at a distance, launching a new distance learning version of its popular MSc Meat Science course.

Increasing international demand for British red meat has helped drive total UK food and drink exports over the £9m mark.

Bernard Matthews Farms has appointed a new managing director to take over leadership of the UK business.

Four days and 187 hard miles later, the Butchers on Bikes team rolled into Paris in triumph.

The weeks of training, or minutes in some cases, paid off as all 31 cyclists crossed the finish line under the Eiffel Tower. Hills, rain and French pedestrians proved no obstacle to the intrepid team, although the accomodation nearly finished some of them off.

Scottish farmers have started to cross Aberdeen Angus cattle with Japanese Wagyu cattle in the hope of creating some of the world’s most expensive beef.

ABP is set to install clipping technology at its Perth abattoir so farmers won’t have to remove faecal contamination from cattle hides.

New research suggests that eating curry several times a week could help prevent Alzheimer's.

With the occasional grumble and a few ominious creaks, the Butchers on Bikes team’s epic attempt to reach Paris got underway this morning.

Setting off from Smithfield Market in London at 8am this morning, the team made it as far as Cock Lane, 200 yards away, before stopping for a rest.

A worker has died following an accident at a Vion plant in Scotland. George Hardie was pronounced dead at Edinburgh Royal Infimary after an accident with a forklift truck at the Halls of Broxburn plant.

Leading UK business-to-business publisher William Reed Business Media has reinforced its commitment to online publishing with the acquisition of Decision News Media, an internet publishing company dedicated to reporting breaking news for the global B2B industries

Authorities in Hong Kong have announced it will resume processing applications for British beef imports under a new phased approach.

The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) has published a new report on the welfare of animals for white meat, which sets out six principles for humane slaughtering.

British boar farmer Simon Gaskell has won the Cut Above Meat Quality Award for his Wild Boar Salami.

Food business operators need to make reporting incidents a top priority, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said after publishing its third Annual Report of Incidents.

UK retailers are fuelling the destruction of the Amazon rainforest by sourcing beef from suppliers linked to illegal deforestation, Greenpeace has claimed.

The Red Tractor logo is facing a great opportunity following its adoption by the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Colin Smith told the BMPA conference.

It only needs a small contamination of E.coli on meat to have lethal consequences, Professor Hugh Pennington told meat processors at the BMPA conference.

The meat industry is frustrated by the lack of progress from regulators, BMPA president Mark Adams told the conference.

The bad apples within the processing sector need to be tackled if the meat industry is to move forward on hygiene controls, was the message from Food Standards Agency (FSA) boss Tim Smith.

Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen has announced that the government is to invest up to €69m (£60.5m)in the meat processing sector, which could create up to 800 jobs.

The National Beef Association is urging the industry to look across the pond for inspiration on maximising carcase value.

A Cumbria abattoir has been fined £2,000 for failing to remove part of the spinal cord from a carcase. West Scottish Lamb of Carlisle admitted failure to remove the material during a hearing before magistrates in Carlisle.

Northern Foods has announced plans to shut its ready meals plant in Hull, putting 349 jobs at risk. The company said its operation was no longer viable following the loss of a ready meals contract with Morrisons.

For the armchair cyclists among the industry, those who really would have joined the Butchers on Bikes’ audacious trek from London to Paris if only their chain hadn’t fallen off their bike – hope is at hand.

The BoB team has launched a special Butchers on Bikes blog to allow the entire industry to keep up to date with the teams activities, both in the run-up, and during the ride itself.

A Huddersfield-based pie-making company has now re-opened further production units, following a devastating gas explosion in April.

Structural changes will be under discussion when the BDCI holds its Annual General Meeting next month. The charity will also consider a change from being an unincorporated entity into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

An animal rights group has re-erected a controversial billboard proclaiming that “feeding kids meat is child abuse.”

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has unveiled the inflammatory poster in Coventry, the home of Leanne Salt - a the 30-stone woman dubbed “Britain’s fattest mother”, who has admitted feeding her kids nuggets and burgers since they were six months old.

Marel Food Systems has secured long-term financing to the tune of €171m, which the company hopes will stabalise its future.

Two of the biggest meat producers in Brazil have announced a merger to form a new company called Brasil Foods.

Manufacturers will face more pressure to reduce salt levels in meat under tough new salt reduction targets, published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

A CEO of a major meat processor has written to all his employees after being caught up in the finger-pointing of the Mexican H1N1 outbreak.

Strong meat exports have given a welcome boost to the UK meat industry, but producers will have to fight to remain competitive in the future, experts have warned.

A government advisor has slammed the meat industry for its lack of action over climate change, warning that it is “miles behind” other food sectors.

The media has gone "beserk" over the so-called swine flu outbreak, according to the UK marketing director for Danish Bacon.

A £4m campaign to promote EBLEX’s Quality Standard Mark (QSM) has been launched to replace the long-running Beefy and Lamby characters. Featuring the strapline ‘Tough Standards. Tender Results’ the campaign gets under way on Monday, 18 May, to promote beef and lamb at the start of the barbecue season.

Asda has added a taste of rural Fermanagh to 20 of its UK stores as part of its Ethnic Ireland promotion.

Debbie & Andrew’s gluten-free sausages have been enjoying a boost in sales during the start of Coeliac Awareness Week (11-17 May) this week.

New regulations requiring food manufacturers to clean up and prevent environmental damage could present a serious threat to business.

Dutch meat giant Vion has posted a 57% drop in net profits to €54m during 2008, down from €126m. The company blamed higher raw material costs and the inability to pass the costs on through the supply chain for the fall, which has been compounded by the poor exchange rates.

The directors of a meat factory gutted by a fire earlier this week are looking for new premises to restart production.

Fundraising is under way for the Butchers on Bikes epic ride, with Aldi currently leading the field with a whopping £500 donation.

The charity bike ride will see a team of riders from across all areas of the meat industry make the trek from Smithfield Market in London to Rungis Market in Paris, totalling more than 186 miles.

A world-renowned haggis producer was celebrating success at the recent 2009 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has predicted that global import demand for meat will fall for the first time in over a decade this year.

The Scottish meat supply chain has been thrown into chaos by a fire, which has ripped through a meat plant, causing an estimated £2m of damage.

Top turkey products from across the industry are in with a chance to scoop a prestigious award as the 13th annual turkey awards gets under way.

Alan Craig has now taken over as chief executive of the ANM Group, replacing Brian Pack OBE, who retired from his post after almost 19 years in charge of the Thainstone-based farmer-owned co-operative.

The Black Farmer is hoping for success with the launch of ‘The Great White Hope’ chicken, the brand’s first free-range offering.

The Scottish meat industry is close to losing "critical mass" in cattle stocks, according to the president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW).

Food manufacturers have expressed relief over the news that UK workers will retain the right to work for more than 48-hours a week.

EBLEX has launched an online tool to help abattoir owners, butchers and meat buyers correctly price products and maintain margins.

The Welsh Assembly Government has launched a Strategic Action Plan to safeguard and further develop the Welsh red meat industry.

CLITRAVI, the European Association for the Meat Processing Industry, is concerned that misleading media reportage of the A/H1N1 influenza outbreak could damage the pigmeat industry.

The Competition Commission has published a public consultation on the proposal for a supermarket ombudsman to police the new Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCP).

Farmers and food producers in Scotland have joined forces to set up a cooperative business venture aiming to provide a new abattoir and processing facility.

ASDA’s subsidised semen initiative is already yielding results, with the first calves born successfully at Tom and Mike Powley’s farm in Yorkshire earlier this month.

Around 380 jobs are at risk after Dutch giant Vion announced plans to shut operations at its bacon plant in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Panic over swine flu has caused pork shares to plummet, despite government assurances that the virus cannot be contracted through eating pig meat.

Scottish ministers could throw Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) charging proposals into chaos if plan to go through with a veto on charging rises goes ahead.

Sausage firm Debbie & Andrew’s has increased its multiple presence after signing a deal with Waitrose to sell its Yorkshire brand sausages in the area.

Chairman of Assured Foods Standards (AFS), Colin Smith, will stand down this year after serving the full fixed six-year term of office.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling has announced a series of proposals to reduce carbon emissions in Britain by 34% by 2020.

A raft of changes to the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) have been agreed by the Board of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), pending UK government ministers’ agreement.

The Board of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has spelt out a number of lessons that need to be learnt from the Welsh E.coli outbreak and the Irish dioxin scare.

American scientists have warned consumers to turn the barbecue down this summer, with new research suggesting that consumption of burnt and charred meat might increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Consumers believe that frozen food could offer better value in the current economic downturn, according to the latest research from the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) Frozen Food Group.

The head of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has urged Chancellor Alistair Darling to recognise the importance of the food manufacturing industry in his 2009 Budget.

UK butchers are being given the chance to compete against the best in Europe with the first European Deboning Championship.

A leading ingredients supplier is celebrating after landing a top European award. The Manchester Rusk Company (MRC) took two titles at the European Business Awards in Rome recently.

A leading foodservice supplier is hoping for success in the retail arena with the launch of a new sausage offer. Roberts of Port Dinorwic, a recipe dish manufacturer, has launched its renowned own-brand Traditional Pork Sausage.

The economic downturn is dwarfing all other issues for the meat sector, but there are positives, delegates to the Outlook Conference heard last week. Richard Brown, a consultant with Gira, said: “All the other issues that people have spent time worrying and fretting about – even disease – have been dwarfed by the economic situation.”

The Black Farmer is hoping to stand out from the crowd with a new look. The sausage brand has refreshed its packaging to a portrait format, which the company hopes will allow its products to stand out better on-shelf.

A Scottish pie firm is aiming to get offal back on the nation’s tables with the launch of its brand new Lamb Kidneys Tubigo Pie. The pie, from Simple Simon of Biggar, is the second in its Luxury Larder range, alongside its Perfect Beef Wellington.

A UK-wide, strategic research policy for the beef sector will be launched at the Beef Expo in Malvern, Worcestershire next month, the National Beef Association (NBA) has announced. The new policy document will then be circulated to government policy officials across both the UK and EU in a co-ordinated effort to re-invigorate disappointingly thin funding streams for much-needed development work, the NBA said.

Bernard Matthews Farms is hoping to cash in on the credit crunch with a new addition to its top-selling family favourite. The company said the tough economic conditions were leading to a resurgence in frozen food and, in particular, frozen breaded poultry.

MTJ is now posting daily news and views on Twitter, the micro-blogging service taking the internet by storm.

The industry needs to be ready to tackle “simplistic” messages on meat and the environment, the chief executive of EBLEX warned.

The food industry’s relationship with the media will come under scrutiny at the latest meeting of the Food Club International.

Leading meat supplier Vion has thrown its weight behind the National Farmers’ Union’s Africa 100 appeal. Vion has pledged its support for the industry-wide appeal which has so far raised more than £160,000 to help support agricultural projects on farms in East Africa.

The Royal Show will be closing its doors for the final time this year, organisers have announced. This year’s show, held at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire from 7-10 July, will be the final event after the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) said the event was no longer economically viable.

Cranswick has announced it is to buy the pork processing operation of Bowes of Norfolk in a deal reported to be worth £17.2m.

In a bid to help restaurants during the recession, Linden Foods has developed a new St George gourmet steak burger, which offers affordable quality, taste and provenance.

Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Ltd (MLCSL) has announced that Randall Parker Foods has signed up for its carcase classification service, meaning that MLCSL now classifies more than 80% of the cattle slaughtered in Britain each year

More than £172,000 has been raised for meat industry charities in the last year, it was announced this week. The total was declared by the outgoing Festival Chairman of the Butchers’ and Drovers’ Charitable Institution, Graham Roach, in his final act before handing over to his successor, Bernard Hoggarth, at the charity’s annual lunch at Butchers’ Hall, London

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA), the organisation that regulates companies that supply labour or use workers to provide services, has announced plans to raise its recommended fee for labour providers

The sum of money raised over the past year by the Butchers' and Drovers' Charitable Institution (BDCI) will be announced at a lunch at Butcher's Hall in London on Monday (30 March).

Industry leaders have welcomed news that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its ban on English meat.

Tulip is to close up its meat processing plant at Bromborough on the Wirral after efforts by unions and local MPs failed to come up with a realistic rescue plan.

A nutritionist has cast doubt over the findings of a study that linked the consumption of fresh and processed red meat to increased risk of blindness.

E.coli 0157 is not going to go away, and there is no room for complacency, warned Professor Hugh Pennington.

Food safety bosses said they needed time to consider the conclusions of Professor Hugh Pennington's report into the South Wales E.coli outbreak.

The Pig Meat Task Force met for the first time yesterday to discuss the biggest challenges facing the supply chain.

A leaked email has revealed plans to develop a red meat inspection qualification for processing plant staff.

Butchers, chefs, farms and mutton enthusiasts gathered at Lucknam Park Hotel in Chippenham for the last of this season's Mutton Renaissance Club open events.

Food experts from across Europe will meet in Prague tomorrow (12 March) for a two-day debate on the future of food labelling.

The National Beef Association (NBA) has warned that producers will resist any attempts that are made to force them to contribute to full cost recovery for meat inspections.

The Danish Meat Association (DMA) is to merge with Denmark's two agriculture bodies to create an umbrella organisation which represents the industry 'from farm to fork'.

The National Beef Association (NBA) has urged processors to not miss the boat on exports, with a shortfall of high-quality cuts in big beef-eating countries.

A supplier of beef products has appealed to customers for greater understanding of the pressures on manufacturers caused by huge increases in raw material prices.

The Food Standards Agency Wales has announced a new date for its Meat Hygiene Service charging debate.

EBLEX is to ditch its Beefy and Lamby characters for its next consumer advertising campaign.

Around 70 people have fallen ill in China after eating pork contaminated with a banned food additive.

The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) has agreed to allow Alan Craig to delay the start of his presidency by up to six months.

Delegates at the 12th annual Langford Food Industry Conference will discuss the implications of global trends on meat production in the UK, it has been announced.

A North-Wales abattoir is to re-open after administrators secured the sale of the facility to Ireland-based Sher Foods for an undisclosed amount.

Poultry processors will be able to improve their post-mortem inspection capability following the launch of a new qualification for Plant Inspection Assistants (PIAs).

Moy Park has been fined £7,500 after chickens were put into a scalding tank at a plant in Derbyshire before they had been properly killed.

Retailers and processors must become more innovative with forequarter cuts to balance out higher cattle prices, says the National Beef Association.

The Scottish wing of the Food Standards Agency (FSAS) has appointed a new director to succeed Dr George Paterson CBE, who retiring in June.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced plans to recruit more future meat leaders for the second year of its Young Leaders Fellowship.

Meat manufacturers are likely to face even more pressure to reduce packaging following the publication of a damning report on supermarket packaging.

A truck driver claiming to be an animal rights activist has been found guilty of threatening to fire bomb a Cumbria poultry plant.

Bacon importers and UK processors were among guests at the glittering Provision Trade Federation (PTF) dinner in London last night.

Craig Stevenson, managing director of game-specialist Braehead Foods, has won the coveted Rural Hero Award at the prestigious Scottish Countryside Alliance Awards ceremony.

Food Standards chiefs put their heads above the parapet last week to tackle the industry head-on over plans to increase Meat Hygiene Service charging.

Bernard Matthews has unveiled plans for a series of wind turbines to provide electricity for its plants in East Anglia.