Upgrading works at the Gozo abattoir

I refer to the article "Temporary closure of Gozo abattoir irks butchers" (May 5).

It has to be stressed from the outset that the temporary closure of the Gozo abattoir was necessary in order to carry out the upgrading and modernisation of the facility. The operations of the facility had to cease while these works are in progress, no matter the time when this upgrading was carried out. This closure was necessary since the government is abiding by its food safety obligations.

Officials of the abattoir in Gozo informed the Koperattiva ta' min Irabbi l-Majjali (KIM) about the need for these works and the course of action that is being taken. The Minister for Gozo met with farmers' representatives while Gozo Channel Co. Ltd held a meeting with KIM representatives to lessen inconveniences. It is thus inappropriate to state that "Gozitan farmers with livestock have also been left in the lurch".

The temporary closure of the Gozo abattoir does not affect in any way the slaughtering at the Malta abattoir, thus the supply of fresh meat for the local market is guaranteed. Moreover, the Gozo slaughterhouse is a low capacity establishment and it is normal practice that pigs are slaughtered there while cattle are usually brought over to Malta. Hence, the claims that Gozitan butchers are running short of fresh meat or that Gozitan farmers cannot slaughter their stock are unfounded.

It seems that the adherence to strict food safety procedures by herdsmen and butchers is one of the problems that is being mentioned by your columnist. It is an undisputed fact that food safety is in the interests of all. Food safety is one of the key areas where improvements are needed and the government is committed to raise the standards of food safety in the shortest span of time while guaranteeing that the Gozo abattoir can continue to operate while meeting its EU obligations.