Meat Production and Processing in the UK: A Legal-Environmental Perspective
Instructions:-
“You are the Board Member of a multinational company with responsibility for Environmental issues. Your company, which is not based in the UK, wants to start operations in the UK for the first time, and you have been asked by the Managing Director to produce a fully-referenced report covering the relevant environmental issues, and advising whether or not the UK is a good option for this new operation.”
The industry I have chosen is meat production and processing.
The module I’m writing this report for is Environmental Law but I’m studying environmental science so my lecturer isn’t expecting a very legal perspective from me, more of an environmental one. So you could focus on how the meat industry is involved in pollution and the usage of energy/water resources.
Solution
Meat Production and Processing in the UK: A Legal-Environmental Perspective
The meat production and processing (MPP) industry has a significant impact on the environment. Production is associated with pollution and resource wastage and exploitation. The processes of producing and processing meat utilize a lot of energy and water and produce considerable amounts of waste. The wastes contribute largely to pollution while resource misuse and exploitation result in unsustainable operations. The UK Meat Industry Guide (MIG) offers legislation and guidelines for operation in the industry. The Guide requires every meat production and processing company to consider the environmental impact of the operations and strictly follow the guidelines to promote environmental sustainability. Engagement in good practice in producing and processing meat guarantees the consumers’ safety, facilitates effective use of water and energy resources, and minimizes the impact of the operations on the environment. The legislation touches on critical aspects such as water supply, cleaning, personal hygiene, microbiological criteria, and waste management among others. Outlining these issues in the Guide streamlines operations in the industry and promotes awareness on safe production. Most importantly, the UK legislation identifies the hazards associated with meat production and processing and require every company in the industry to comply with the FSA and EU regulations.
Meat Production and Processing: Legal and Environmental Perspectives
Water Quality and Use
Water is a critical resource in meat production and processing. Its usage in the industry determines the quality of meat and meat products produced. According to Bava, et al. (2017) and the Food Standards Agency (2015), however, the wastage and the possible contamination of water in the industry affects clean water sources. Effective legislation promotes efficient use of water in the production and manufacturing processes thus minimizing wastage and contamination. The UK legislation, through Directive 98/83/EC, requires all water supplies and meat production and processing (MPP) industries to practice sustainable use of water (Food Standards Agency, 2015). The directive requires meat processing companies to implement measures that ensure the protection of the quality of water in the UK. This promotes the citizens’ health and wellbeing by ensuring quality, clean, and safe water (Hartmann & Siegrist, 2017). The MPP must adhere to this directive to prevent the possibility of contaminating drinking water for the community around the facility. Additionally, adhering to the directive will guarantee the use of clean water in processing. This will ascertain the production of quality meat and meat products.
Further, as a critical resource, the MPP must engage in good practices that promote sustainable use of water. According to the MIG, the development of meat processing companies comes with microbial and chemical hazard risks (Food Standards Agency, 2015). The facilities deal release biological and chemical wastes that can potentially contaminate water. Faecal contamination and other pollutants cause microbiological and chemical contamination. The environmental law in the UK requires any production and processing company dealing with meat and related products to assess the contamination risks and potential hazards (Petrovic, et al., 2015). The assessment guides the company on the testing measures and possible remedial measures in case of contamination in the course of its operations. MPPs pose a potential risk of microbial contamination of ground water through leakage and sipping. The law states that companies operating within the industry should implement measures that guarantee safe use of ground water. For instance, the law requires casing of springs and installation of “watertight and vermin-proof walls and lids” (Food Standards Agency, 2015). Additionally, the water collection chambers for the industries should be developed away from drains and soakaways.
The MIG provides guidance on effective water treatment to ensure the quality of water used in production and processing. The guide follows the British Standards on water treatment, which outlines the test requirements and treatment procedures for the required purity. The chemicals that will be used in the company must comply and conform to the British Standards (BS) (Food Standards Agency, 2015). The UK has established Water Supply Regulations (WSRs), which approves the US of certain chemicals even if they do not have the BS. Therefore, chemicals without the BS can only be used under specific approval by Regulation 31 of the WSRs. Before operation in the UK, the company must consider these regulations and standards, conform and implement effectively (Food Standards Agency, 2015). Conformity to the set chemical requirements and water treatment standards will play a significant role in ensuring the production of products that comply with the BS on meat and meat products quality requirements.
Most importantly, the law requires the sufficient but sustainable supply of water in all facilities that produce and manufacture meat products. The provision of adequate potable water promotes quality processing and cleaning, which ensure the production of quality products while preventing contamination of water and the environment. Under the 852/2004 Annex II Water Supply in Chapter VII A1, the law requires MPPs to ensure there is adequate and reliable supply of water, which must be used at any moment necessary to prevention the contamination of the products (WHO, 2005). The company must comply with the legal requirement and thus should choose a location with constant and reliable supply of water. In addition, compliance with the Chapter I of the 852/2004, which calls for the construction of facilities that prevent contamination of water and food products is equally important (Food Standards Agency, 2015). Further, while water recycling is an important step in the prevention of water wastage, the law requires constant checks to maintain the quality of the recycled water the same as that of the potable water.
MPPs have different processes that require huge amounts of water. A lot of water is required for the production and processing processes and for disinfecting facility tools, cleaning, maintaining personal hygiene, and cooling containers for heat treatment among other activities. The sustainable use of water is important to prevent wastage in MPPs. The Water Framework Directive, the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and the Water Act 2014 promote sustainable water use in the UK. Industries must adhere to the laws set to regulate water use. Operating a meat production and processing company in the UK will require compliance with these laws and operate under their guidelines. According to Hendry (2016), the WFD and the FWM Act 2010 promote the sustainable use of water and sustainable drainage systems respectively. These ensure that companies do not waste water thus promoting sustainable production and processing operations. Additionally, the Water Industry Act 1991 ensures that companies use water and dispose waste water sustainably. Compliance with this Act will ensure sustainable use of water in its operations (Legislation.gov.uk, 2016). The different processes in the company will receive sufficient water for efficient functions and quality products without water wastage. Additionally, the Act will ensure the sustainable disposal of water, which will limit the environmental impact of the company.
Waste Management
The wastes produce in the production and processing of meat poses a significant environmental problem. The UK environmental law requires facilities in the industry to implement the keen regulations to minimize environmental pollution. Wastes from the animals and processing should not re-enter the food chain if they promote environmental unsustainability or place the consumers at risk. The UK has put various regulations in place to reduce the impact of wastewater, gas emissions, and solid wastes on the air, water, and land. Therefore, the consideration of the different environmental and legal requirements before the establishment of the MPP facility is of great importance.
Wastewater released from the processes of producing and processing meat poses a significant environmental impact. While the different processes of the production and processes require water, there is minimal recycling since contaminated water is likely to contaminate meat causing health hazards. The wastewater from cleaning and other processes contains pollutants. Therefore, discharging the water into surface water affects its quality and impacts negatively on the environment. For example, the wastewater contains biodegradable organic compounds and micro-nutrients. These pollutants reduce the amount of oxygen in the surface water and eutrophication in lakes and oceans. The wastewater from MPPs contains proteins, fats, oil, meat and other BOCs (biodegradable organic compounds). The decomposition of these compounds is caused by micro-organisms, whose multiplication in water bodies causes a near-depletion of oxygen. Low oxygen percentage in the water bodies threatens marine life. There is a need for the company to understand and adhere to the set laws regulating the release of wastewater from MPP facilities in the UK.
The UK Water Industry Act 1991, the Water Resources Act 1991, and the WFD discourage the discharge of wastewater directly into the environment and surface water. These laws among other guide the processes of water treatment and prevention of pollution. Any company has the responsibility to ensure the treatment of wastewater before release into the environment. The Council Directive 91/271/EEC requires the treatment of polluted water before releasing it into the environment (European Commission, 2017). Further, the Nitrates Directive protects water quality in the Europe by preventing the release of untreated wastewater into surface water. The MPP must consider the establishment of an efficient facility that either includes the treatment of the wastewater or the collection by a treatment company. Adhering to this Directive will minimize the percentage of nitrate pollutants in the wastewater thus reducing the impact on the environment. Compliance with all other laws and regulations governing wastewater disposal is vital for smooth operation.
The legal requirement for the development of an MPP facility regarding the issue of waste storage is clear. The UK Law requires that every meat production and processing company constructs and efficient facility that takes into consideration the different waste management concerns. The facilities must protect the products from contaminations and control pests for the achievement of the set quality standards. The company must set up a waste management equipment and implement procedures for removal, storage, treatment and disposal. The separation of hazardous materials from other wastes is required under 852/2004 Annex II foodstuffs for enhanced treatment and disposal. These procedures minimize the pollution of the environment and allow sustainable operations. Before implementation of the plan, it is important to consider these requirements to determine the possibility or impossibility of compliance. The compliance with all public health and animal health rules and regulations is compulsory for all MPP facilities.
Air Pollution
According to Petrovic, et al. (2015), food consumption contributes to as much as 30 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). While this is the case, meat production and processing is responsible for a considerable percentage considering its higher carbon footprint (Röös, et al., 2013). The GHGs impact on the environment significantly by influencing global warming and consequently, rising global temperatures. The adoption and implementation eco-efficient meat processing procedures and pollution prevention strategies are important for the reduction of the amount of GHGs released in the processes of meat production and processing (Environmental Law Foundation, 2017). The UK environmental law regulates the release of GHGs into the environment through its regulations and awareness-creation. The Air Quality Strategy sets the standards for air quality for the reduction of pollutants that threaten human health (Environmental Protection UK, 2017). Additionally, the Environment Act 1995 provides gives the local authorities the mandate to assess air quality in specific localities. Adherence to these laws is required for operation in the UK (National Assembly for Wales, 2016). Therefore, the new MPP must consider and comply with the laws.
Feasibility of the UK Market
The UK meat production and processing industry offers an attractive market. According to IBIS (2016), the market for meat grows at a compounded rate of 2.3 percent every year. The report shows that the market has grown greatly over the past five years. The most consumed meat products include beef, lamb, and pork. Production and processing of these products will offer the company an opportunity to tap into the great potential the market offers. However, there is a continuing concern of decreasing percentage of animals reared for meat. According to Eurostat (2017), the trend remained adamant in the last few years 2003 – 2009. This issue may make it difficult to access livestock and poultry for the production and processing. However, the changing trend causing an increase since 2013 may continue to make access easier, convenient and cheap.
Most importantly, the political, legal, environmental, social, and technological environments in the UK make it an attractive market for entry of a meat production and processing company. The region is politically stable and a good investment hub with minimal politically-related risks. As such, the company must consider this in making the decision. Additionally, the socio-cultural environment favours the meat industry. There is an existing culture of consumption of meat, especially lamb, beef, and pork in the region (IBIS, 2016). This culture continues to support and promote the industry. However, it should be considered that skilled and semi-skilled labour in the UK is considerable expensive (Dey, 2016). Further, the legal-environmental laws favour sustainable production while the environmental factor, including sufficient water and other resources promote the industry by making production cheaper. Most importantly, technological advancement of the UK boosts infrastructural development, ensures the availability of efficient machinery for production and processing, and guarantees reliable energy for the processes (Partridge & Sinclair-Hunt, 2015). These factors make the UK an attractive market for entry.
Conclusion
Meat production and production has various significant environmental impacts. Poor regulation of the industry would lead to unsustainable production since the processes require a lot of water and energy. Water pollution and misuse causes impacts on sustainability. The processes require reliable and sufficient water for efficiency and quality production. However, sufficient water does not translate to misuse. There is a need to adhere to the set regulations and environmental laws to ensure effective use of the resource. Additionally, the wastes from the industry include GHGs, BOCs, Nitrates and others. The release of wastes containing these substances impacts on the environment negatively. Further, chemicals contaminants and other wastes may cause chemical or micro-biological contaminations reducing the quality of the products and placing consumers at danger. Therefore, adhering to the regulations is important for sustainable production.
The UK meet production and processing market is attractive for entry. There is a constantly growing demand for processed foods. Meat products are on demand and the trend continues to increase in the UK and across the world. Therefore, the establishment of the meat production and processing company in the region is feasible. The effective management of the investment will guarantee a high return on investment through high profit efficiency. Most importantly, through market expansion, the company will continue reaching a greater percentage of the market guaranteeing constant growth. However, the threat of stiff competition, the strict environmental laws, and a high production cost pose a significant challenge. These challenges require the development of an effective market entry and development strategy.
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