Stress on safety and meat quality at slaughter house

Changes in procedures that must take place with respect to the slaughter and the marketing of beef to fully conform to European Union regulations on food safety were yesterday explained to middlemen at a meeting with civil veterinary officer Tony Gruppetta.

During the meeting, the middlemen were informed that, as from October 15, carcasses leaving the slaughter house through the dispatch area will only be allowed in either halves, quarters or a maximum of six cuts, as stipulated by EU regulations.

Middlemen were also informed that, in line with EU regulations, unauthorised personnel would not be allowed in the market hall. A spokesman for the Ministry of Rural Affairs said the meeting was a cordial one, progress was registered and an agreement was reached on a number of issues including bringing animals to the abattoir for slaughter in as clean a state as possible, proper identification of animals and measures to improve booking of animals for slaughter. Since cutting is only authorised in approved cutting plants, cutting of meat will no longer be allowed to take place in the dispatch area. As an alternative, the Civil Abattoir will be assigning six butchers to the cutting and de-boning plant who will be available to de-bone and cut meats at the request of middlemen.

Middlemen were informed that such measures were necessary to ensure the safety and quality of meat leaving the slaughter house.

The spokesman said that over the past 18 months the government invested substantial amounts in the upgrading of the slaughter house. To maximise the benefit of such improvements it was now essential that procedures and work methods are brought fully in line with standards and EU regulations on food and safety for the interest and welfare of consumers and to further improve the quality of local meat.

The ministry is ready to further discuss alternatives but it cannot in any way compromise food safety regulations, the spokesman said.

Another meeting is scheduled for today.