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Supermarkets back British pork
Pork chops
Supermarkets are supporting British pork despite the availabilty of cheaper produce from the continent.

Retailers shun cheap imports for domestic pork products

Supermarkets are showing increasing support for British pork, despite there being cheaper imported supplies available, according to the latest Porkwatch survey.

Retailers have increased the amount of British bacon versus imported on their shelves from 44 per cent to 46 per cent.  British sausages have been maintained at 83 per cent, British pork at 83 per cent, and British ham at 64 per cent.

Budgens, the Co-operative, M&S, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Aldi were all found to stock 100 per cent British pork.

Lidl was not far behind, having increased its British pork from 89 to 92 percent. Tesco has maintained its proportion.  

Commenting on the figures, National Pig Association (NPA) chairman Richard Lister said: "This is a remarkable testament to the quality of domestic product at a time when the gap between British farm-gate prices and the average European Union price is 26p a kilo, and the differential with Danish pork is over 35p a kilo."

According to the NPA, the only disappointing performer was ASDA, who showed a fall in every category.

"We recognise some retailers have an extremely cost-conscious customer base," said NPA chief executive Dr. Zoe Davies. "Nevertheless there is plenty of evidence to show the best way to grow the pork category is to major on British, so we will be urging ASDA to review its sourcing policies."

The Porkwatch survey is carried out every other month by pig industry levy body Bpex, who use professional researchers to measure supermarket shelf facings.

In recent months, British pig farmers have praised supermarkets for sticking to their pledges to restore customer trust, following the horse meat scandal in 2013.

"They have continued supporting the domestic product despite the provocation of a glut of cheap pork in continental cold stores and falls in the value of the euro, which together have created a significant temporary price differential," said the NPA.

Image (C) Stuart Webster

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.