The UK’s BSE risk status has been reclassified to negligible by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) after years of the NFU advocating for change.
David Barton, NFU livestock board chairman, said: “It’s excellent to see British farmers’ commitment to robust controls and surveillance now recognised by WOAH.
“Achieving negligible risk status brings significant benefits – not only cost savings in processing and the ability to use more of each carcass, but also greater confidence in the quality and safety of our beef in international markets.
He added: “It is a major step forward for the UK livestock sector, enhancing its global reputation.
“British beef is in demand, both at home and abroad, and now is the time to grow the sector.”
