Abattoirs 'must prove their proposal'
The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) is developing its proposal for an alternative approach to the delivery of official meat inspections. This intends to use approved private-sector accredited bodies to inspect 'consistently competent' plants.
This is in line with a key recommendation of the independent Farming Regulation Task Force, chaired by Richard Macdonald. But the FSA and other consumer groups have expressed "reservations" about devolving responsibility for such a high-risk food sector. The FSA is also not convinced that any change would be possible without a change to EU law, which prescribes meat inspections across the EU.
The BMPA needs to assure the FSA and consumer groups that its proposal will not dilute the tight food safety controls that current inspection regimes provide and that it can be implemented within existing EU legislation, which may involve legal advice, according to BMPA director Stephen Rossides. "We have to woo the FSA and build confidence we've got a big job," said Rossides. "We clearly have to build a case for change basically within the EU legislation. There is room for manoeuvre here." He said a 'consistently competent' plant needed to be defined.
The FSA Board is scheduled to discuss its response to this proposal at its next meeting in Cardiff on September 7. A spokesman said: "We welcome this proposal by the BMPA. On September 7 the FSA is asking the Board to endorse an approach where we will encourage industry to make the case for effective alternative delivery models and this is what the BMPA is doing. We look forward to seeing more detail from the BMPA when available."
Under the BMPA's proposal the FSA would retain responsibility for approval of plants, audits and enforcement. Official veterinarians would also remain under its control. However, the main change is that the FSA would delegate inspection tasks to approved private sector accredited bodies in consistently competent plants.
"We have already put an outline proposal to the FSA, and are working on the details. Some important legal, organisational, and financial issues need to be clarified. But we are confident that our proposal would at least maintain, or even enhance, consumer protection, progress the principles of earned recognition and risk-based regulation, and provide value-for-money inspection services for highly performing operators, while meeting the requirements of the very prescriptive EU legislation," said Rossides.
"The FSA has made clear its view that the onus lies on industry to make a case for an alternative delivery system. We are ready to take up this challenge, and welcome the FSA's offer to provide appropriate support as we develop the industry's case."
He added: "Our members are crying out for a more cost-effective approach to inspections that recognises their high operating standards. At the same time, let's be clear what we are proposing is not self-regulation."
The FSA's director of operations, Andrew Rhodes, will discuss earned autonomy at Food Manufacture's Product Recall 2011 conference on November 23. For details visit www.foodmanevents.co.uk
