UK producers are convinced that most EU countries will miss the deadline for a partial ban on sow stalls in January 2013, more than a decade after Britain outlawed the system.
BPEX, the body representing UK pig farmers, fears its members could find themselves undercut by overseas rivals who do not meet the required standards.
Chairman Stewart Houston said: “It is more than likely that many pig enterprises throughout the EU will fail to move to full compliance with these higher welfare standards, which incidentally still fall short of the standards adopted by UK pig farmers.
“So there is every chance that pork produced to lower welfare standards will continue to be imported into the UK illegally.”
Disadvantage
Houston added: “This is clearly unacceptable for consumers and will also prolong the competitive disadvantage under which the UK pig industry has operated since 1999.
"The only way to ensure significant amounts of illegally produced pork are not imported is for major retailer and foodservice companies to insist, and check, that all produce is fully traceable and meets UK or the new EU standards.”
The European Commission has said it will not allow opt-outs to any member states.
Responsibility for implementing the new legislation rests with individual countries. But the inspection service of the EC Health and Consumers Directorate General, through its food and veterinary office, regularly carries out audits in member states to check that legislation is being obeyed.
Food and agriculture minister Jim Paice has pledged to press the European Commission to take “robust action” against member states that flout the new rules and which put UK pig producers at a competitive disadvantage. For more details click here.