The Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU) is calling for an independent investigation in to the recent alleged disposal of beef from Isle of Man Meats.
Manx.News exclusively revealed that a quantity of beef allegedly had been destroyed at the Government owned abattoir.
Despite calls for Isle of Man Meats to reveal the quantity and value of the product that was destroyed, the government run company has refused to comment.
Product Recall
Then, a little over twenty four hours later, Isle of Man Meats issued a product recall asking consumers to avoid products with batch number 19590. They claim it was due to a ‘packaging machine’ problem.
Isle of Man Meats, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) and the DEFA Minister have still failed to respond to our requests for details on the amount and value of the product destroyed.
The situation at Isle of Man Meats has angered the MNFU and it is now calling for an independent investigation, and that all responsible for the losses are held accountable.
A spokesperson for the MNFU said that the Union has been alarmed by reports of valuable beef being condemned and disposed of.
They said that their livestock producers have been asking for clarity as to the cause and what work has been undertaken to mitigate against the damage.
It is paramount that all with responsibility are held accountable for the losses, including our political representation. If answers are not forthcoming, we must consider pressing for an independent investigation.
Manx National Farmers Union
The MNFU says that the reputation of Manx beef is at risk and that consumers have confidence in the product they are buying.
They say the producers and consumers must not be the ones to bear the consequences of any failure.
Below standard
The Union also goes on to blast Isle of Man Meats for communication failures.
It says that “communication from IOM Meats to date has been limited and this falls far below the standard we expect for producers”.
Adding that farmers need a well-managed and efficient service from the Meat Plant to ensure that produce can be processed locally to a high standard, reflecting the superior levels of care, welfare and management that they adhere to.
Delays on intakes
Manx.News also revealed that there were significant delays in stock being taken in for processing at the troubled plant.
Farmers are investing a minimum of two years in to producing the stock that is processed by Isle of Man Meats and the delays are causing producers significant pressure to find extra feed for stock as a consequence of this situation.
The problems faced by farmers is compounded by the effects of a poor harvest last year.
Grain is in short supply and the previous intake cancellations at the Meat Plant during key times in 2022 and 2023 are adding to the problems for local producers.
The MNFU say the problems at Isle of Man Meats create a threat of the product potentially losing its good reputation both with existing and future markets, and consumers further undermining the local industry.
Questions for DEFA Minister
The DEFA Minister will be quizzed in the House of Keys this morning over issues at Isle of Man Meats.
Daphne Caine MHK (Garff) will be asking DEFA Minister Clare Barber, to make a statement and explain what has gone and also “what losses have resulted”.
The House of Keys sits at 10am this morning (January 30).
5 Comments