'Brexit' Likely To Increase Food Prices, says NFU

A study commisioned by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has been undertaken by the LEI at Wageningen University - a world-leading agricultural research institute. The results of the study will be presented at 28 NFU meetings across England during April, 2016. The research suggests that consumers would face higher food prices if Britain were to leave the EU under two out of three of the most plausible trade scenarios modelled by the NFU. A summary of the study shows:

• Scenario One: If the UK were to strike a free-trade agreement with the EU along the lines of Canada, the study suggests farmgate prices, or the price of goods if purchased directly from the producer, would rise by 5 percent.
• Scenario Two: If Britain falls back on World Trade Organisation default arrangements, the study suggests that prices will rise by approximately 8 percent.
• Scenario Three: Under the 'trade liberalisation' scenario, the NFU research suggests that significant price reductions may occur, as compared to current EU prices. (April, 2016)

  Read more...

Processed Meat and Cancer Link

The World Health Organisation has announced that 'processed' meats - such as bacon, sausages and ham - do cause cancer, according to recent research findings. The WHO's report has stated that 50g of processed meat a day - less than two slices of bacon - increased the chance of developing colorectal cancer by 18%. Meanwhile, it said red meats were "probably carcinogenic" but there was limited evidence. The WHO did stress that meat also had health benefits. Cancer Research UK said this was a reason to cut down rather than give up red and processed meats and added that an occasional bacon sandwich would do little harm. (25/10/2015)

Read more...

Avian Influenza Outbreak Information

The strain of avian influenza found on a duck breeding farm in East Yorkshire has been identified as H5N8, the same type seen in recent outbreaks in Europe. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has said the risk to public health remained very low. Avian influenza is a disease of birds, not humans. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. On the basis of current scientific evidence, the FSA advise that avian flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. The virus is killed by just a few seconds cooking at 70°C. (20/11/2014)

Read more...

New EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation