Opportunities as Singapore meat rules relaxed

Scotland’s new negligible-BSE status has led to a relaxation of meat import rules in Singapore and could mean new opportunities for exporters.

Currently, Scotland can only export boneless beef from cattle under 30 months of age to Singapore, but in light of the revised BSE status the country’s Agrifood and Veterinary Authority (AVA) updated its policies which include removing the age limit, and allowing bone-in beef and beef offals to be exported.

The announcement was made by Scott Wightman, British High Commissioner to Singapore.

Scottish, English and Welsh meat is on show at a three-day international trade fair in Singapore, with more than 40,000 delegates from around the world looking to supply hotels, restaurants and other food outlets.

Quality Meat Scotland director Laurent Vernet, who is attending the show, said that the market in Asia offered significant potential for Scotch Beef sales growth in the coming years.

“This is great news for the Scottish red meat industry. There is currently a steady flow of Scotch Beef being exported to Singapore, and we have seen a lot of interest in the product from the premium food service industry the show this week,” he said.

“The premium price of Scotch Beef faces steep competition from quality meat from other parts of the world. AVA’s decision to accept imports of bone-in beef, beef offal and beef from older animals from Scotland will therefore give our country a strong commercial advantage over other British nations and an excellent opportunity to help boost Scotch Beef sales in this very lucrative market.”

There are currently three processors in Scotland accredited to export beef to Singapore.