MLC clarifies boned beef situation
CERTAIN BEEF-ON-THE-BONE cuts will still be available following the lifting of the Over 30 Month Scheme, according to the Meat and Livestock Commission.
As reported last week, the UK will need to comply with EU legislation that requires all cattle over 12 months of age to have the “vertebral column” removed at slaughter.
That means cuts such as T-bone steaks will not be available from UK or European beef.
Although it will still technically be possible to source T-bones from cattle slaughtered under 12 months of age, in reality only a minimum number of young cattle are slaughtered.
Guy Attenborough of the MLC explained: “Until the EU revises the minimum age at which EU cattle are required to have the vertebral column removed cuts such as T-bones will have to be imported.”
But he pointed out that ribbed beef will still be available as “partially deboned” beef once the small part of vertebral column has been removed.
Specialist cuts not connected to the vertebral column, like shin, will be unaffected.
Those who direct sell their beef to the consumer are expected to be the hardest hit but all producers will suffer a lower killer out percentage once the column is removed.
But producers may have to share the extra costs incurred as result of the procedure, said Mr Attenborough.
