Tesco flying US beef into the UK to maximise profits
Tesco are flying in the face of the trend for locally-sourced produce by importing fresh beef from 4,000 miles away and the cow-mad US of America.
British farmers are reportedly enraged by Tesco’s importing of Black Angus beef as it is a direct competitor to Aberdeen Angus and undercuts it on price. Black Angus costs a fraction of the price of its Aberdeen cousin, even when the transportation costs are taken into account.
Additionally, there have been concerns about the use of hormone injections by American farmers (on their cattle as opposed to each other) and there is a formal EU ban on hormone-fuelled beef. Tesco is adamant that its US-sourced beef is hormone free.
Oisin Murnion chairman of the National Beef Association, said: “Farmers on this side of the Atlantic will be annoyed with Tesco. It is extremely important that families buy British beef, not just for reasons of quality but also because it sustains a way of life and the countryside that is enjoyed by all.
“Supermarkets are only interested in the profit they make this week, not the long-term future of farming and food in this country. If they paid a decent farm gate price for beef, production would rise in this country to meet demand.”
What do you lot reckon? Are you bothered about the source of your rib eye steaks and whether or not they might make you grow tits? Or do you only care about the lowest price possible? Tell us…
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