FSA slaughter survey shows nearly a quarter of non-stun sheep meat is exported

The British Veterinary Association has responded today (14 February) to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) 2018 slaughterhouse survey, which has finally been released following pressure from BVA and others to make the data public.

The survey, which provides a comprehensive snapshot of slaughter methods by species in England and Wales, had been expected for publication by Autumn 2018. Following campaigning activity by BVA and the RSPCA as well as a parliamentary question from Kerry McCarthy MP, the government agreed to release the figures following consultation with religious groups.

Figures reveal that in 2018, over 94 million cattle, sheep and poultry were slaughtered without being stunned first. Specifically, the figures show that nearly a quarter (24%) of sheep meat that was not stunned before slaughter, was exported from the UK. This equates to around 750,000 sheep being slaughtered without prior stunning per year for consumption outside of the domestic market. The current derogation in the law that allows for non-stun slaughter for religious purposes is intended for domestic consumption only.

Although most of this meat is intended for EU markets including France, Belgium and the Netherlands, with post-Brexit trade deals currently in discussion, it brings into question where the remaining non-stun meat is sent. The survey also reveals a lack of transparency with regards to some exports. For example, 19% of sheep meat was recorded as destined for ‘unknown’ locations. This lack of information was referenced within the survey as being due to non-mandatory questions being left incomplete by abattoirs.

Simon Doherty, BVA President, said:

“The fact that nearly a quarter of non-stun sheep meat is being exported is highly significant, and we believe this goes against the spirit of the derogation that allows for non-stun slaughter purely for consumption by particular communities within the UK.

“It’s equally concerning that the export of some non-stun meat is going unreported, with a lack of clarity around where seven per cent of non-stun sheep meat is ending up due to incomplete slaughterhouse data. While we’re pleased that the data has finally been made available thanks to joined-up work between the FSA and English and Welsh governments, clearly there is still a lot of work to do around ensuring that data is as robust and transparent as possible.

“We strongly believe that all non-stun slaughter should be banned in the UK in the interests of reducing welfare harm.  However, while it continues, the government must make moves to cease the export of non-stun meat. Allowing this practice is out of keeping with legislation designed to limit it to meet domestic demand only.”