Official controls in meat premises review
Friday 30 March 2007
The Agency's review of how official controls are delivered in approved meat premises in the UK will report in July 2007. From May 2007, responses to the feedback form and blog posting can no longer be considered by the review team.
The science behind the story
Check out Chief Scientist Andrew Wadge's blog posting on this issue, and have your say about the review, by visiting food.gov.uk/scienceblog
Background to the review
The Agency is looking into a range of alternative options for the delivery of official controls in approved meat premises in light of EU regulations that came into force in January 2006.
The review, which began in October 2006, is being led by Geoff Tierney. Email: geoff.tierney@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
The FSA will remain the competent authority responsible for the official controls in UK meat plants.
The review starts from a position that food safety and consumer confidence are of paramount importance and any revised method of delivering controls must maintain current standards.
We will explore options that build on current experience and expertise and that are proportionate, targeted, transparent, consistent and risk-based. We shall work with stakeholders to find the most efficient and effective ways to deliver inspection that contribute positively to the long-term sustainability of the UK meat industry.
Timescale
Phase one of the programme is now complete and a report was presented to the FSA Board meeting in February 2007. The report set out a long list of delivery options for consideration, along with a number of principles for charging and cost-sharing. Links to the papers can be found below.
Phase two is now underway. It involves more detailed impact assessment, cost-benefit analysis and economic modelling of two main delivery options:
- Delivery by a Transformed Meat Hygiene Service, or
- Delivery by independent control bodies
The Agency is also looking at a number of variations on these models, including closer working with the State Veterinary Service and local authorities taking on more responsibility for smaller, local meat premises.
The review includes a detailed review of charging and cost-sharing. The Agency wishes to ensure that, whichever delivery model is finally chosen, it is supported by a charging model with incentives for efficient organisation and operation.
The final report, with recommendations on the way forward, will be presented to the FSA Board in July 2007.
Further information
In April 2006, the Meat Hygiene Service, in conjunction with the FSA, consulted on proposed changes to veterinary supervision arrangements in the MHS.
The FSA has also consulted on revised charging arrangements for meat hygiene controls and has received proposals from the meat industry for an alternative approach to the delivery of meat hygiene controls.
The responses to the two consultations and the industry proposals are being taken into account in the review.
Have your say
The review welcomes input from stakeholders and would be pleased to receive ideas and comment. You can have your say by:
- responding to Agency Chief Scientist Dr Andrew Wadge's blog posting on reviewing official meat controls
- Requesting a feedback pack in the post by emailing clare.mclean@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
- Downloading and filling in the feedback Microsoft Word form. To do this, right click on the link and select 'Save Target As'. Save the form to your computer, fill it in and save and then email it back to clare.mclean@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
- Emailing the review's programme manager at geoff.tierney@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk or telephoning him on 020 7276 8899
