Overview

• Defra imposed temporary controls on unpasteurised cheeses from Italy and France produced after May 23 to prevent lumpy skin disease entering UK herds.
• Importers report that certificates written in French or Italian are rejected, leaving lorries stuck at ports until documents are reissued in English.
• Chilled cheese consignments are spoiling during delays, with La Fromagerie losing thousands of pounds worth of stock each week.
• Michelin-starred restaurants and upscale delis are running low on mozzarella, brie and goat’s cheese as fresh continental supplies fail to clear customs.
• Defra insists most Italian and French cheeses are pasteurised and should continue to flow under the existing biosecurity requirements.