Understanding the EU Ban on Unpurified Shellfish: A Retroactive Rule or New Reality?

The recent EU ban on unpurified shellfish from countries outside the bloc has sparked a debate regarding whether it is a new rule or an existing rule that the UK government failed to consider. Many Brexit supporters argue that this ban introduces new regulations aiming to punish the UK. However, a closer look reveals a different picture.

The Reality of the EU Ban

Contrary to what some have claimed, the EU ban on unpurified shellfish from non-EU countries is not a new rule. In fact, this ban has been a long-standing regulation that the UK fully supported when it was an EU member. The ban was implemented as part of the General Food Law Regulation (EC) No. 854/2004, which has been in place for over 30 years. Upon leaving the EU, the UK agreed to abide by these same rules, even though some Brexit advocates now oppose them.

UK's Ignorance or Misunderstanding?

Some argue that the UK government's pushback on the ban is due to ignorance or a lack of consideration. For instance, it has been suggested that the UK fishing industry, which relies heavily on shellfish exports, could easily invest in purification facilities. The cost of these facilities, despite being significant, is often exaggerated. According to some estimates, the cost of necessary purification plants would be comparable to that of other seemingly mundane financial outlays, such as fighter jet tailpipes or a few days of housing benefits.

The Reliance on External Influence

Some members of the UK industry have also pointed out that mounting a campaign to convince the broader public to consume local, unpurified shellfish is a futile exercise. Calls for the BBC, Daily Express, and The Mail to stay uninvolved suggest a desire to avoid the usual negative media coverage. The UK's history of blaming external factors for internal inefficiencies is well-documented.

Addressing the Concerns

The question then arises: why were these concerns not addressed when the UK was still part of the EU? The answer lies in the broader political narrative that surrounded the Brexit referendum. Many of the concerns and fears around future regulations were branded as "Project Fear," a term used by pro-Brexit campaigners to dismiss any warnings about the potential consequences of leaving the EU.

Conclusion

The EU ban on unpurified shellfish is, in reality, an existing regulation that the UK has consistently supported. Its adherence to these rules reflects a commitment to maintaining food safety standards. The current debate around the ban highlights the ongoing challenge of adapting to post-Brexit realities and the need for responsible governance moving forward.