Talks may see MLCSL move to private sector

AHDB has revealed that it is in advanced talks with a private business about taking over its commercial subsidiary Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Limited (MLCSL).

The farm levy body said the discussions with Hallmark Veterinary Compliance Services came in the wake of a “challenging business environment” for MLCSL and the need to respond to new technology classification systems such as Visual Imaging Analysis (VIA).

MLCSL provides independent carcase classification services to 44 meat processing plants across the UK.

These include Woodhead Bros in Turriff, Mcintosh Donald at Portlethen, and Quality Pork Limited at Brechin.

AHDB chief executive, Jane King, said moving the MLCSL business into the private sector would open up opportunities for greater efficiencies and synergies which would not be possible under its current public ownership model.

“MLCSL is facing an increasingly challenging business environment and we believe that this move will help secure its future,” she said.

Hallmark chairman, David Peace, said: “As a key contractor to government departments for statutory farm inspections and official controls in abattoirs, we pride ourselves on Hallmark’s independence, integrity and expertise.

“It is therefore clear to us that MLCSL’S outstanding reputation in all these regards will help us to further strengthen our own position.”

MLCSL provides independent carcase classification services.