Specified Risk Material controls audit

Following harmonisation of the UK SRM controls with those applicable in other Member States, the UK took up derogation, under European Union (EU) legislation, allowing the removal of SRM VC from 24–30 month cattle by specifically authorised butchers' shops. Under the derogation, authorised butchers were required to implement effective procedures for the removal and disposal of SRM VC as category 1 ABP. The controls also required slaughterhouses and cutting plants to dispatch carcases or part-carcases containing SRM VC to authorised butchers only.

MHS controls and FBO controls were assessed in 16 approved meat establishments that were despatching 24–30 month carcases containing vertebral column to butchers for further processing.

Overall, the control systems were adequate and being effectively applied. Where weaknesses were identified, these were attributable to lack of controls in specific establishments. No high level recommendations were made regarding the controls for despatch of carcases from slaughterhouse to butchers.

Local authority controls were assessed in 16 local authorities located in different regions of England. The authorities were selected from those that were confirmed to have authorised butchers for the removal of SRM VC from carcases of 24–30 month bovines.

In general, comprehensive records of contact with FBOs was being kept by local authorities, who were also giving helpful guidance and actively assisting FBOs to achieve compliance with the requirements. In addition, local authorities generally kept comprehensive records of advice, legislation and guidance on the authorisation process and local authority roles, and this information was readily available to authorised officers.

Overall, the audits confirmed that the authorisation of butchers had been promptly carried out in accordance with legal requirements and FSA guidance by most local authorities.

However, checks carried out during routine food hygiene inspections were not always adequately recorded and there were variations between authorities and between individual officers in the thoroughness and quality of the checks. The audits also revealed that most local authorities had not carried out adequate checks to assess compliance with FBO obligations under the ABP Regulation (EC) Regulation 1774/2002.

The implementation of follow-up actions and closure of corrective actions by local authorities were generally satisfactory.

Examples of good practice were also identified during the audits.

FBO controls were assessed in 24 authorised butchers’ premises that were located in the 16 audited local authorities.

The visits to authorised butcher’ premises confirmed general compliance with legal requirements and centrally issued guidance by the majority of FBOs. All FBOs had adopted the model Required Method of Operation (RMOP) that had been issued by the Agency, and in most cases, their operations were carried out in accordance with the RMOP. Procedures for carcase receipt, identification and traceability were also adequate in most authorised premises.

However, deficiencies were noted in record keeping in relation to category 1 ABP that was consigned for disposal.