Two-tier criticism

Since the 24-month limit was set two years ago, there have been huge additional costs involved with processing beef carcases from older animals. The costs, up to £150 in some cases, meant that many butchers and processors have refused to purchase older carcases.

NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh said: "The later maturing cattle breeds, which fit into the 24-30-month age range were heavily discounted at farmgate, as the controls imposed greater cost burdens in the supply chain. This latest decision proves there was no justification for the regulation in the first place."

However, processors believe that the market will soon adjust to accommodate the lifting of the vertebral column age limit of 24 to 30 months. Ian Anderson, exceutive manager of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, said: "Plants will do what they need to supply their customers."

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