UK delays produce checks; gets BSE status boost

UK checks on certain produce from Europe have been delayed until 2027.

Planned post-Brexit border checks on medium-risk fruits and vegetables will now start beginning Jan. 31, 2027. Controls were scheduled to begin in July 2025 under the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

The United Kingdom has agreed to a deal with the European Union to create a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) zone, but details have not yet been finalized.

Checks on medium-risk fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, grapes, plums, cherries, peaches and peppers, will no longer be brought into force this summer.

Businesses can import these items from the EU without products being subject to import checks or the associated fees. Traders must continue to comply with the Border Target Operating Model. 

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and border control post operators on UK biosecurity while minimizing disruption to the flow of goods.

Good BSE news
In other news, the risk rating status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been changed to negligible by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The previous risk level was called controlled.

The improved status for beef and bovine products should help boost trade with other countries. The decision will change control measures, reducing the operational burden for the abattoir and meat processing industry.

BSE, also known as mad cow disease, was a considerable public health concern in the 1980s leading to long-standing bans on British beef exports. In May 2025, APHA reported a case of atypical BSE on a farm in Essex. In December 2024, a case was found in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

Atypical BSE is a non-contagious disease in cattle which occurs spontaneously. It is different from classical BSE which is linked to contaminated feed. 

Natasha Smith, deputy director of food policy at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), said: “This good news reflects that our strict controls in place to protect consumers such as controls on animal feed, and removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity, have helped make sure there is no food safety risk.    

“Although the meat industry will be now able to use more of the carcass, consumers can be reassured that strict food safety controls remain in place. FSA official veterinarians and meat hygiene inspectors working in all abattoirs in England and Wales will continue to ensure that the safety of consumers remains the top priority.” 

Defra had submitted an application to WOAH for revised BSE status in England and Wales.

David Barton, NFU livestock board chair said: “After the devastating impact of BSE, when thousands of animals had to be culled, it’s excellent to see British farmers’ commitment to robust controls and surveillance now recognized by WOAH. Achieving negligible risk status brings significant benefits – not only cost savings in processing and the ability to utilize more of each carcass, but also greater confidence in the quality and safety of our beef in international markets.”

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/06/uk-delays-produce-checks-gets-bse-status-boost/