Industry warns of disease and illegal imports from EU to UK

The government’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) could risk undermining food safety and allow illegal meat imports to enter the UK in its current form, according to reports from the food supply chain.

An industry group has warned that border control posts (BCPs) located more than 20 miles inland of Dover, Kent, could compromise food safety and biosecurity, with illegal food products potentially being offloaded in the UK before reaching the control posts.

The Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Certification Working Group, which represents more than 30 trade organisations representing £100bn worth of trade, has written an open letter to Defra secretary Steve Reed, raising concerns around food security, biosecurity and food safety.

See also: Plan to cut border food checks prompts compensation call

The letter raises a number of ongoing concerns from industry, including illegal meat imports, holdups at border checks creating significant delays for fresh produce, and risks of disease entering the UK.

Karin Goodburn, chairwoman of the SPS Certification Working Group, said: “It is vital that checks on imports are carried out effectively. Dover Port Health Authority [DPHA] is at the front line of our defences.

“They and others, including ourselves, have expressed major concerns regarding locating the BCP at Sevington, some 22 miles away from the point of entry to GB at the port, with numerous turn-off points along the route, and the disconnect of the information flow between DPHA and Sevington.

“We would appreciate clarification on what practical measures have been or are being planned to be put in place to minimise risks to biosecurity and public health protection.”

The group also mentioned reports of government funding cuts of up to 70% for front-line defences at Dover against illegal meat imports and surveillance for diseases such as African swine fever.

The British Meat Processors Association suggested these border control issues could have serious economic, trade, and reputational repercussions.

Government response

A government spokesperson said: “Protecting UK biosecurity remains one of our key priorities, and we are working with BCPs to ensure they operate effectively and with traders to ensure checks are completed efficiently, swiftly, and without significant delays.

“We’re looking to improve the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the EU and will take a pragmatic approach to support businesses.”