The Bank of England has released a statement recognising the concerns raised about the discovery of traces of tallow, a product rendered from beef or mutton fat, used in the production of its £5 polymer notes.

Britain to keep animal-derived £5 note

The statement said the Bank was not aware of the presence of animal-derived products when it signed the contract with its supplier for the £5 and £10 polymer banknotes on November 30, 2016. 

It continued that when the Bank discovered the presence of these products, its first step was to alert the public and subsequently has been treating the concerns raised by members of the public “with the utmost seriousness”. 

The Bank has now concluded that it would be appropriate to keep the £5 polymer note in circulation and to issue the £10 polymer note as planned in September.