Commission Midday Express (MEX/13/0523), 23 May 2013

HYGIENE - Commission reviews pig meat inspection rules

New rules aimed at modernising pig meat inspection, carried out by national authorities, were endorsed by experts meeting in the Standing Committee for the Food Chain and Animal Health. The new rules are based on an opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and introduce a more risk-based approach to pig meat inspection; enhance controls on diseases such as Salmonella and Trichinella and amends classical post-mortem inspection procedures. The rules reflect the new risks identified in the EFSA opinion and re-orientate meat inspection to address these risks in order to maintain the highest level of consumer protection, without compromising animal health and welfare objectives and without increasing costs associated with these inspections.

For more information see EFSA web pages:

• http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2351.htm and
• http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/meatinspection.htm?wtrl=01

See also related news item:

• 23 May 2013 HYGIENE - UK FSA welcomes changes to EU pig inspections