British farmers are raising concerns about the recent UK-US trade deal that includes US beef imports. They fear hormone-treated beef could make its way into UK food markets despite government claims that food safety standards remain unchanged.
The UK government insists hormone-fed beef is still banned and says strict checks will prevent it from entering the country. But farmers and consumers are not fully convinced. They’re calling for more clarity on how inspections and food safety laws will be enforced in practice.
Hormone-Fed Beef Raises Red Flags
The source of the worry is clear. In the United States, it’s common practice to give cattle growth hormones. These help the animals grow faster, lowering production costs and increasing profits for farmers. But in the UK, such practices have been banned since 1989. That ban was part of a larger European Union decision made after health concerns were raised about the safety of hormone-treated meat.
Even though the UK is no longer part of the EU, the government says the ban still holds. It claims no hormone-enhanced beef will enter the country under the new deal.
Farmers Want Proof, Not Promises
Still, many in the farming industry remain sceptical. Ian McCubbine, a cattle farmer from Surrey, said during a national radio interview:
“We don’t know what additives their cattle receive. We’ve built an industry that values the environment and animal welfare for over 50 years.”
He’s not alone. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has asked the government to explain, in detail, how it will enforce the beef standards. They want to know what happens at the ports and how inspectors will tell safe meat from hormone-fed beef.
Trade Deal Allows More US Beef into the UK
Under the new agreement, the UK will allow 13,000 metric tonnes of US beef to enter the country without tariffs each year. That’s a big jump from the current 1,000 tonnes, which carry a 20% tariff. The deal also includes a matching allowance for UK beef exports to the US.
To put that in perspective, officials said 13,000 tonnes equals about one medium steak per adult each year in the UK. Though it might not sound like much, farmers worry it could open the door to larger shipments later.
Mixed Reactions from Consumers and Experts
The public’s reaction has been mixed. On social media, many users voiced distrust and said they would only buy British beef. Several mentioned looking for the Red Tractor label to ensure they are getting locally sourced and ethically raised meat.
Toby Walsh, an artificial intelligence expert and policy advisor, said the government must avoid repeating past mistakes with poor oversight.
“Transparency and accountability are key when it comes to food safety,” he said in a recent post.
Liz Webster from Save British Farming also raised concerns. She accused the government of compromising food safety for trade benefits, such as lowering tariffs on luxury cars and US ethanol.
Government: Inspections Will Be Strict
Despite the criticism, the government has doubled down on its message. Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said UK food safety laws remain intact. He added that border inspectors can test beef for hormone traces and punish rulebreakers.
A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) explained how US producers must show they comply with UK standards. That means providing detailed paperwork and passing inspections. The spokesperson also noted that hormone use in the US usually occurs in the final stage of cattle farming. These hormones can leave behind traces that are detectable through lab testing.
What Comes Next?
Experts say this isn’t just about beef. It’s about trust. British consumers want to know what they’re eating, and farmers want fair competition. Imported meat produced under different standards could undercut UK farms and risk public health.
As international trade grows more complex, many are calling for new systems to monitor food origins and enforce clear labeling. Some are even suggesting a public database that lists all tested and approved meat shipments.
Until then, UK shoppers may stick with what they know—local meat from trusted butchers and farms with proven records.