Bakery ingredients suppliers are being hit by export restrictions designed to counter the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
On 6 August, the European Commission imposed a restriction on exports of animals susceptible to foot and mouth, as well as derived meat products, milk and by-products, to EU member states and third countries.
Association of Bakery Ingredients Manufacturers (ABIM) executive secretary Steven Birrell told British Baker that members were being hit by red tape when applying for dairy export certificates. Members were finding it particularly difficult to export to countries outside the EU.
He said: "Some have been experiencing delays with the administration and processing of export certificates which, in certain cases, has resulted in goods bound for Europe being delayed. ABIM has been assisting its members by liaising with the relevant authorities. It seems you have fewer problems exporting beef than bakery ingredients at the moment."
Pukka Pies MD Tim Storer was not anticipating any problems with exports. He said: "There are administrative implications. One has to be forthright in situations and understand the requirements. Nothing will stop us getting our products to customers overseas."
The Food and Drink Federation said: "In an emergency situation it takes time to get procedures in place. Now, things should be speeding up for manufacturers."
British exports of meat and dairy were worth £1.48bn in 2006, according to government export agency Food From Britain.
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