January 2, 2013

UK's consumers are warned that European pork imports could be in breach of new animal welfare regulations.

Liberal Democrat MEP, George Lyon, is arguing that the best way to guard against unwittingly buying illegally produced pork is to buy British.

From this year, all sow stalls should be banned across Europe, but 10 member states have yet to introduce the welfare measure and farmers there continue to keep pigs in barred stalls so narrow the sow cannot turn round. All UK producers are fully compliant with the new rules.

Mr Lyon said: "UK farmers have respected the ban and spent millions of pounds upgrading their farms to meet the higher welfare standards.

"But that investment is under threat from countries that have failed to implement the ban on sow stalls. Pork produced from these pigs could flood the UK market."

He said that while the UK Government had promised to take tough action on those who attempt to sell illegal pork in the UK, in reality, it is up to consumers to demand pork that complies with standards.