FSA News Item, 12 September 2012

MEAT HYGIENE - FSA Board decision on meat official controls

 The FSA Board today agreed the future approach to working with the industry on delivering meat official controls and how this should be paid for.

Jeff Rooker, Chair of the FSA, commented: 'We are moving into a new chapter of collaboration with the meat industry.'

The Chair also paid tribute to the important work carried out by FSA meat hygiene inspectors in slaughterhouses.

The Board discussion emphasised support among members for the Agency’s existing programme to work closely with the European Commission on proposals to reform meat official controls, and the importance of this work to ensure a more risk-based and fair system.

The key actions from the Board paper endorsed by Board members were:

• The FSA’s priority in this area should remain the protection of consumers
• The FSA should pursue a more collaborative approach with stakeholders, working in partnership with them
• The current discount system should be reviewed to remove anomalies
• Joint working to identify further ways to reduce costs
• Explore with industry the options for alternative delivery models, including use of a control body
• An external efficiency review of the delivery of meat official controls should be carried out – the FSA will seek political sponsorship to have the review carried out by the National Audit Office
• Discussions should continue with other Government departments regarding taking on responsibility for any ongoing subsidy

A copy of the Board Paper discussed at this meeting is available on this site. See: FSA 12/09/04 - Strategy on Charging for Meat Official Controls