The United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) recently reached an agreement known as the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement. This agreement was designed to ensure that food safety and animal welfare standards are maintained between the UK and the EU after Brexit.

The SPS Agreement covers a range of issues, including the regulation of live animals and animal products, plant health, and food safety. Both the UK and the EU have committed to maintaining high standards in these areas, which will help to protect consumers and ensure that trade can continue smoothly between the two entities.

One of the main aims of the SPS Agreement is to prevent the spread of diseases and harmful organisms. To this end, the UK and the EU have agreed to maintain existing controls on the import and export of live animals and animal products, as well as plants and plant products. In addition, they will continue to work together to monitor and control the spread of pests and diseases that could potentially harm crops, livestock, and the wider environment.

The SPS Agreement also covers food safety and hygiene standards. Both the UK and the EU have committed to maintaining high standards in these areas, which will help to protect consumers and ensure that food products are safe and fit for consumption. This includes measures such as proper labeling and traceability, as well as rigorous testing and inspection procedures.

Another important aspect of the SPS Agreement is the mutual recognition of standards and certifications. This means that products that are certified as meeting the relevant standards in either the UK or the EU can be sold in both markets without the need for further testing or inspections. This will help to reduce costs and bureaucracy for businesses operating in both the UK and the EU, and will make trade easier and more efficient.

Overall, the SPS Agreement is an important step towards ensuring that trade continues smoothly between the UK and the EU after Brexit. By maintaining high standards in areas such as food safety, animal welfare, and plant health, the UK and the EU can help to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of their respective markets.