The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is calling out UK retailers for stocking imported Uruguayan meat on their shelves, naming Asda in particular.

Recently, UK-based retailers have been under fire for selling imported meat, which can undermine production from local farmers. Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s are facing mounting scrutiny and backlash after reports surfaced of the them choosing imported meat over UK-based suppliers.

The UFU called out Asda for not supporting farmers in Northern Ireland, who are ramping up their sustainability initiatives and are disappointed that their product is being passed over in favour of international sourcing.

UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said: “It often goes unnoticed just how many hoops farmers have to get through to meet the high standards of the Farm Quality Assurance Scheme, which results in the prime products consumers see on local shop shelves.

“It’s extremely disappointing to see that Asda stores in Britain have been stocking imported Uruguayan steaks instead of supporting their local farmers, who work to the same high standards as farmers in NI.”

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The UFU stressed that there are potential concerns about production standards and the priority given to animal welfare in some foreign markets.

Cuddy added: “Our farmers work to the highest environmental and animal welfare standards. If imports fall short in comparison, this puts local farmers on the back foot.”

Asda had previously responded to the criticism by emphasising its range of imported beef was “a limited-time branded product”, and that it is committed to sourcing meat from the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Despite supermarket retailers publicly sharing their public commitment to back UK-based farmers, there is a quiet shift away from locally sourced red meat.

However, Asda insists that it fully supports UK farmers by sourcing all of its fresh beef from the UK and Republic of Ireland.

A spokesperson from Asda commented: “We always look to offer customers a wide choice of products to suit all budgets, and the country of origin is always clearly labelled on pack so customers can make an informed choice about their purchases.

“Grass & Grill steaks are provided by a branded partner and available in our stores for a limited time only. All of Asda’s own brand fresh beef continues to be sourced from farms in the UK and Republic of Ireland.”