Small abattoirs put at risk by potential change in regulations

The FSA has issued a Call to Evidence in relation to its charging structure for Official Controls (OC) in abattoirs, where official veterinarians and meat hygiene inspectors inspect every animal and carcase to ensure regulations are complied with and that the meat is fit for human consumption.

RBST warned that an increase in charges for small abattoirs would create a major new challenge for the ongoing collaborative effort to reverse the decline of the network.

Under current system, smaller abattoirs receive discounted charges based on the number of hours involved – the fewer hours needed to regulate the business, the greater the level of discount afforded to the abattoir.

Sector at risk

Chief Executive Christopher Price said it was crucial for smaller abattoirs to continue to receive this discount on the cost of FSA regulation, or else we risk harming the sustainability of the livestock sector.

“A robust and resilient local abattoir network, capable of processing small numbers of different species and breeds, is vital for the sustainable livestock sector, particularly those farmers and smallholders keeping native breeds,”​ he explained.

“Reducing or removing the discount would put even greater pressure on already struggling businesses, posing a serious challenge to ongoing efforts to reverse the decline in the small abattoir network and having a serious impact on farmers and food producers more generally who would inevitably see a consequential increase in their costs.”​

Animal welfare

Price also warned of the animal welfare implications of longer journey times if farmers are forced to take their animals to more distant abattoirs.

“Over the past year the collaborative effort to reverse the decline of small abattoirs has been strongly supported through government policies such as the Small Abattoir Fund, and we urge the new Defra Ministerial team to ensure that the important progress being made is not decimated by an increase in FSA charges,” ​he added.

Members of the meat processing sector have been calling on the Government to commit to the wellbeing of the UK’s small abattoirs for some time.

In July, the Abattoir Sector Group sought assurances from the new Government that the funding for new abattoirs will be approved​​, as well as highlighting the work streams that are mid-way to completion and some issues yet to be addressed.