Following the EU’s decision to remove Brazil from its approved list for certain products of animal origin from 3 September 2026, Red Tractor says farmers and consumers need confidence that food entering the UK is subject to robust standards and checks.
Comments by Paul McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Red Tractor Assurance
Paul McLaughlin says: “The EU has moved to restrict imports of Brazilian beef and poultry because it has not received the guarantees needed to demonstrate compliance with its antimicrobial requirements.
British farmers have worked hard to build consumer trust
“That raises an important question for the UK: if the EU does not currently have the assurance it needs on antimicrobial requirements for certain Brazilian products, what assurance does the UK have that equivalent products entering our market meet the expectations placed on British farmers?
“British farmers have worked hard to build consumer trust. Our latest research shows 94% of consumers trust British food, but more than a third are not confident that imported food meets UK standards.
“Consumers should also be able to make an informed choice about the food they buy and eat, whether they are buying food in a shop or eating out.
Look for the Red Tractor mark
“The Red Tractor mark gives independent assurance that standards on responsible medicine use, animal welfare, food safety and traceability have been met.
“When buying beef or poultry in shops, consumers looking for reassurance that it is British and produced to rigorous standards should look for the Red Tractor mark.”