The British Meat Processors Association has warned that meat factories in Northern Ireland could face closure next week due to a strike by government vets. The union members belonging to the Veterinary Service Animal Health Group (VSAHG) are planning a five-day strike that will begin on Monday. According to the BMPA, no slaughter of cattle, pigs, sheep or poultry can take place unless official vets are present in abattoirs. The Department of Agriculture, however, said that it would prioritize the poultry sector.
While the red meat sector expects to keep major plants operating, the BMPA has warned of the commercial and animal welfare issues that the strike may raise. Nick Allen, the organization’s chief executive, said that meat plants would have to cease operations. As a result, businesses could suffer a loss of income, and food supply chains could also see a disruption. The strike comes at a particularly inopportune time as Christmas approaches and members prepare festive products like hams and pigs-in-blankets.
Furthermore, the BMPA has expressed its concern over the welfare of pigs in the pork sector, as animals begin to back up on farms. It said that farmers faced a commercial issue as these animals become too big and “out of scope” for supermarket shelves. The Department of Agriculture has issued guidance stating that it “cannot guarantee the provision of official controls and activities across all slaughter and animal processing establishments from 30 October to 3 November”. It added that it would prioritize the slaughter and processing of poultry, reviewing the situation daily and modifying service provision where appropriate.
The strike may result in major disruptions to the Northern Irish meat industry, which could have a knock-on effect on businesses and consumers alike. The BMPA has called for a resolution to the issue to avoid further economic losses and animal welfare concerns
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