I read with great alarm in the FW this week that there are moves afoot to end the UK's derogation on keeping bones in cattle over 24 months as part of he deal to lift the export ban.
I believe that this means that the butchers will no longer be able to hang the meat. As those of us who raise our beef exclusively on grass and conserved forage cannot finnish as 24 months, this looks like the last straw.
It really is a ridiculous scenario, with no co-ordination of policies, as usual. The 30 month rule is being lifted, but at the same time it will be impossible to hang a carcass aged over 24 months.
I am hoping that all traditional breed societies will unite on this one and try to get an exemption. My dexters can get to400kg(+) by 24 months on grass and good haylage, because we have lowland grazing, but it will cause a greater amount of pressure than the previous 30 month limit. I presume everything will otherwise have to be "aged" in vac packs?
This sounds like potential disaster for all of us involved with beef from Traditional breeds. Is there any point in us all writing to our MPs and getting our customers to sign petitions.
This sounds like potential disaster for all of us involved with beef from Traditional breeds. Is there any point in us all writing to our MPs and getting our customers to sign petitions.
Here in South West Cornwall we have a local wholesale butcher who slaughters our animals, cuts and packs them as well.
I spoke with him yesterday on having animals hung as is normal with us, he assures me that I can continue to as normal. Any animal over 24 months (and this could be lowered) must have have the bones removed,this will be monitored by a Ministry meat inspector on site. So reading between the lines, if any butcher wishes to have over 24 month animals he will have to arrange for a Ministry inspector to check and ensure that all backbone etc are removed.
I had heard something similar so contacted my butcher, who advised that beef on the bone was still OK, and didn't mention age limitations (apart from the over 30 month one, which although technically lifted, he says cost £50 - £60 extra in testing and requires an indemnity from the owner that they will dispose of the animal if it fails the test). I'm expecting a 28-month steer back shortly, so we'll see.
I had a look at DEFRA's website and couldn't find anything definitive. Has anyone else found anything?
I spoke to my butcher yesterday and he has received no official notification of the 24 month rule. He also reassured me that beef sides can be hung for a fortnight with the spine removed. Since he normally hangs beef for 10 days he couldn't see a problem.
