Horse meat and disease risks if ID is not updated

The Government has been told in no uncertain terms why a digital equine ID system is crucial

- ELEANOR JONES

“IS there horse meat in your lasagne? We don’t know.”

This was the message to the Government and public at the National Equine Forum (6 March), as industry leaders tried to hammer home the need for a robust, enforced, digital-first equine ID system.

In 2022, Defra consulted on the system, the outcome of which was expected to be a digital-first system. But Labour has put this work on hold.

Defra minister Baroness Hayman of Ullock said: “The Government recognises the importance of equine ID and traceability to equine health and welfare and public health, biosecurity and trade.

“The Government wants a robust, streamlined system for digitising equine ID. But we've paused work in this critical area while we tackle the challenges around public finances.

"Officials continue to engage with the British Horse Council (BHC) to explore ways ID and traceability can be improved."