Powys serves up Uruguayan lamb

09 October 1998

Powys serves up Uruguayan lamb

By FW reporters

POWYS County Council, which administers an area containing the greatest concentration of sheep in the UK, has been castigated following revelations that lamb from Uruguay is being eaten in its schools.

Angry farmers and politicians criticised the council, but a spokes-man claimed the imports were £2/kg cheaper than British lamb. Switching would add 2p to the cost of each school meal containing lamb.

“All meat bought for schools must meet the required quality standards, and then it comes down to the best price that can be obtained. European law actually prohibits us from favouring any particular country or region,” he said.

The council was, however, in talks with suppliers, and optimistic that British lamb would be back on the menu shortly.

John Mason, chairman of Brecon and Radnor NFU, said he was disgusted that imported lamb from any source was being used.