MPs condemn desinewed meat ban

A cross-party committee of MPs has hit out at the EU Commission’s ruling that desinewed poultrymeat has to be treated as “mechanically separated meat”, so limiting its use and value.

The ruling took effect on 26 May and the UK is the only member state being fored to take such action, which could cost the poultry sector up to £100m a year.

According to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) committee report, jobs have already been lost and consumers may have to pay more for products that previously included desinewed poultrymeat.

The commission’s actions are irrational and wrong. The government was caught unawares and has so far failed to protect UK producers.”
Anne McIntosh MP

“Desinewed meat (DSM) differs from mechanically separated meat (MSM) in that it uses a much lower pressure, high-tech process,” explained BPC chief executive, Peter Bradnock. “By classifying it as MSM, it no longer counts as meat in products requiring a minimum meat content. This could result in it being excluded from processed products.”

According to EFRA committee chairwoman Anne McIntosh, UK producers are the only ones being forced into this situation. “The commission’s actions are irrational and wrong. The government was caught unawares and has so far failed to protect UK producers,” she said.