Chernobyl restrictions to be lifted in Wales

Restrictions on the movement of sheep in areas of the UK deemed to be contamination risks after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster will finally be lifted in June – 26 years after the accident.

The Food Standards Agency is to remove controls on more than 300 upland sheep farms in Wales and Cumbria because it has ruled that the controls are no longer proportionate to the risk.

Although this is good news for farmers in these areas, the Farmers’ Union of Wales is concerned that if the lifting of the ban is reported in the wrong way, it could reduce consumer confidence in Welsh lamb.

In the aftermath of the Ukrainian explosion, sheep in the areas where controls were put in place were seen as the most likely to be affected by any radiation brought to the UK in acid rain. It meant sheep had to be tested for radiation before they were sold.

Following a 12-week review, the FSA has now said that removing controls would not compromise consumer safety.

Of the 9,800 UK holdings originally placed under restriction following the accident in 1986, there are only 327 farms in North Wales and eight farms in Cumbria still affected.

The removal of the controls will allow all farms remaining under restriction to move sheep without the need for monitoring from 1 June.

Wales’ red meat promotion agency, Hybu Cig Cymru, welcomed the decision. “As a result of the rigorous safety measures in place, public health has never been at risk,” said a spokesperson. “Levels (of radiation) have now fallen so low that the best scientific advice shows it is time to move to the next stage and remove the final restrictions. This will not compromise food safety in any way.”

Watch our video of a farm under restriction.