UK retailers have expressed calm at the discovery of foot-and-mouth disease at two farms in the country.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The UK government has enacted a ban on all livestock movements since the disease was first found late last week.
There have been concerns that the UK could see a repeat of the foot-and-mouth crisis of 2001 when consumer demand for meat slumped, albeit temporarily.
However, Asda, the UK’s second-largest retailer, said this morning (7 August) that there has so far been “no panic buying” of meat.
“It’s been pretty flat, we saw a bit of a peak over the weekend with the hot weather but there has been no panic buying,” an Asda spokesperson told just-food.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe spokesperson said Asda has contingency plans in place if the ban on the movement of livestock becomes entrenched for a long period. “We’re taking it on a day-to-day basis,” she added.
The first case of foot-and-mouth in this current outbreak was discovered on Friday; this morning, the UK’s Environment Secretary Hilary Benn confirmed a second case.
Cows are being slaughtered in an attempt to contain the outbreak and the UK government has been at pain to reassure consumers that there is no threat to human health.
