SCOTTISH beef exporters can now trade internationally with the lowest risk level status available for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.

As of Wednesday July 26, the World Organisation for Animal Health formally recognises that the BSE risk from beef raised in Scotland and Northern Ireland is at the safest level available – negligible risk – while England and Wales continue to be recognised as having 'controlled risk' status.

The confirmation is expected to help open international market access for beef exports outside of the EU. Rural secretary Fergus Ewing said: “This is a landmark day for our red meat sector, with Scotland achieving the lowest possible risk status for BSE.

“This is reward for years of hard work from the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, producers, our red meat businesses, vets, and this government all of whom have worked tirelessly to build a failsafe system which protects our animal and public health.

“Scotland’s meat exports are currently thriving and this certification stands us in good stead for our exporters to increase Scottish Beef exports even further.”

The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers also welcomed the move: “This is the very welcome culmination of two years hard work during which SAMW has driven this measure through the necessary process of change in Edinburgh, London and Brussels," said SAMW president Frank Clark.

"The support given to the industry’s case throughout this period by Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing, and his officials, has been invaluable," he added. "This is a major advance for our industry and a boost for member companies as they seek to increase business strength and capacity as we negotiate Brexit and the potential new trading opportunities of the future."