The National Sheep Association (NSA) is pleased to reveal that a number of consignments of lamb being held at a Border Control Post (BCP) in Calais this week have now been released to return to the UK.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “NSA wholly welcomes the news from Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Christine Middlemiss that she negotiated and agreed that French officials release the consignments of lamb impounded at the BCP on Wednesday 10th December. This release has been made on the agreement that none of the product contained in these affected loads can be consigned to go back to the EU.

“I personally want to thank Christine and the CVO team for resolving this problem as quickly as they could. NSA was contacted by one of the processors involved earlier this week who had tens of thousands of pounds worth of lamb being held and was desperate for help to resolve the problem. NSA contacted Christine, who was thankfully aware and working on it, and I also spoke to Defra to ensure the issue also had their attention. It was good that NSA was able to help build communication between the processor and officials.

“I would add my plea to processors and exporters affected that absolutely no attempt is made to re-present any of the product contained in the affected loads for re-export. If we want the support of our CVO and officials in the future we must not do anything to undermine agreements and trust. I would also make a plea to FSA that meat inspectors are fully aware of these risks and that they work with due diligence.”

Several refrigerated lorries containing meat from UK processors were being held at the BCP, stopped after inspectors reported traces of wool being found on individual lamb carcasses.

The carcasses had previously been stamped as fit for human consumption by meat inspectors in the UK, on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

This latest rejection of consignments follows reports to NSA from other exporters of rejected loads with issues being identified such as parasitic damage to lungs and livers, and misalignment between the UK and EU on lead levels in offal. NSA questions if the situation is politically driven and related to the renegotiation of trade rules but appreciates that as a crucial market for UK produced lamb processors, we are bound by the BCP ruling.

Mr Stocker continues: “It is important that all exporters take note of this incident and be aware that inspections at BCPs over the channel are very thorough and appear to have become even tighter than normal, and we should present no opportunity, or reasons, for rejections.

“Defra will be discussing these issues with EU border control force with the aim of avoiding future disruption, but whether we like it or not they are the gateway to our marketplace.”