Criminal gangs smuggling meat into Britain could have their vans put through the mincer.

       Cars, vans, trucks and even coaches importing illegal meat could be seized and crushed in the latest efforts to keep African swine fever and foot and mouth disease from spreading in the UK.

       Environment Secretary Steve Reed is considering radical measures to protect farming, food security and the safety of the public.

       More than 92,000kg of meat products brought into country by crime gangs were seized at British ports last year.

       The plans to crush vehicles are intended to put the gangs’ essential “infrastructure” out of action.

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       A tonne of illegal pork was recently seized at the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich.

       There are concerns that an outbreak of animal disease could cause major economic harm for farmers and lead to the loss of animals and the closure of foreign markets with potential bans on the export of livestock, milk and meat products.

       It is feared an outbreak of African swine fever could cost the pig industry up to ￡100million.

       The 2001 foot and mouth outbreak cost the UK economy ￡8billion, according to the National Audit Office. This would be the equivalent of more than ￡14billion today.

       Personal imports of meat and dairy products from Germany have been banned to protect farmers from foot and mouth disease. Defra has also invested ￡3.1million in Dover Port Health Authority for 202425 to help Border Force tackle illegal meat imports.

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       Mr Reed will face farmers this week at the National Farmers’ Union conference. This comes amid widespread anger in the farming community at Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s decision to hike up inheritance on agricultural assets.

       A Government source said: “Meat smuggling is a dangerous crime, and we won’t stand for it. We are determined to step up action against these criminals put a dent their ability to operate.

       “This Labour government will always protect our borders, our farmers’ livelihoods and our biosecurity.”