Changes to meat inspection charges
Changes to meat inspection charges
A task force set up by the Food Standards Agency to look at Meat Hygiene Inspection Charges has concluded that the cost of veterinary supervision in licensed meat plants seriously threatens the future viability of many small and medium-sized abattoirs and cutting plants.
The task force considers that such businesses play an important role in the economic wellbeing of the meat and livestock industry and of the wider rural/local economy. It recommends that, instead of being charged at an hourly rate, all abattoirs and cutting plants should be charged the standard (headage)fees laid down in the EU Charges Directive or their actual inspection costs if these are lower.
The Meat Inspection Charges task force has now formally submitted its report and recommendations to Agency Chairman Sir John Krebs. The report itself was published by the Agency in June.
"I am very grateful for the task force's thorough and comprehensive investigation of this particularly complex issue, and for the considerable time and energy which its members have willingly devoted to it," said Sir John.
"The Agency will be contributing to the Government's consideration of the report and its recommendations."
