U.K. Stands Firm Against American Hormone-Enhanced Beef Imports

The U.K. government has made it clear that American beef treated wiht hormones won’t be making its way into the U.K. market, even after the recent trade agreement announced on May 8, which aims to enhance beef trade between both nations, according to BBC News.

During negotiations, the government emphasized that upholding U.K. food standards was non-negotiable. They assured that rigorous certification processes and border inspections would effectively block hormone-treated beef from entering the country.

Darren Jones, chief secretary to the treasury, stated confidently, “Our food standards remain intact and will not shift due to this deal.” He also mentioned that agencies responsible for monitoring would have the capability to test for hormone residues in meat and enforce penalties for any violations.

In contrast to practices in many American farms where growth hormones are commonly used to enhance muscle growth and reduce costs of production, the U.K. has maintained a ban on such products as 1989 when they were outlawed across Europe due to safety concerns.

This new trade agreement allows for up to 13,000 metric tonnes of tariff-free beef imports from america into the U.K., a significant increase from current exports of about 1,000 tonnes subject to a hefty 20% tariff. In return, British farmers will gain access to sell an equal amount of their beef at reduced tariffs in America compared to what they face now.