Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 March 2026. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Monday, 9 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Beef: USA

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled UK beef hits US shelves tariff-free for the first time – cutting costs for UK businesses, published on 2 March 2026, whether any of the reciprocal 13,000 tonne quota for beef from the United States is subject to equivalent animal welfare standards as British farmers.

Answer

Yes, all beef imported under the reciprocal 13,000‑tonne quota from the United States must meet the UK’s food safety and hygiene standards in precisely the same way as is required of British farmers. It also has to meet wider import requirements, including equivalent welfare standards at slaughter. This deal, which secures UK access to the US market for the first time, does not change the UK’s high environmental standards.

Our approach to trade agreements has ensured, and will continue to ensure, that imported agrifood products meet the UK’s high food standards. We will always maintain UK levels of statutory protection in relation to human, animal or plant life or health, animal welfare, and the environment.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
117639
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Animal welfare Imports Standards Quotas USA Beef
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk