Meat Hygiene Service faces radical overhaul

A huge shake-up is likely following a major review of veterinary supervision arrangements within the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS), which currently overseas inspections at abattoirs and primary meat processing plants in England, Scotland and Wales.

One of the more radical options being considered is the transfer of the MHS’s inspection responsibilities to the private sector. However, some stakeholders fear this would be a dangerous move and claim commercial considerations would result in corners being cut “in pursuit of profit”

The review, being led by the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), is considering several options for change. These range from the integration of farm to slaughter veterinary services, to more local authority devolved delivery. What all options have in common, however, is that they will lead to a more delegated, risk-based approach to inspection. A further driver for overhauling meat inspection is the pressure from government to reduce the huge £40M subsidy it pays.

The review covers the whole of the UK, but in Northern Ireland (NI), controls are delivered by the NI Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and changes there would have to be separately agreed between DARD and the FSA.

The FSA stressed that “food safety and consumer confidence are of paramount importance”, and said it was at pains to reassure all stakeholders that any changes adopted must deliver current high standards of hygiene control.

Despite this, there are serious concerns among some meat processors that the cost burden of carrying out inspections is unfairly being placed upon their shoulders. The impact for small, often commercially marginal meat processors, could be particularly damaging.

The review is expected to be completed this summer.