Launch of public
consultation on the beef and pig carcase classification (England)
regulations 2009
News Release issued by
the COI News Distribution Service on 18 September 2009
Defra has today
launched a public consultation on the implementation of new
European legislation concerning the classification of beef, pig
and sheep carcases and the reporting of prices.
The European Commission has recently consolidated legislation
governing agricultural commodity markets into a single common
organisation of the markets. In the meat sector this now
incorporates three earlier regulations setting rules on the
classification of and price reporting on beef, sheep and pig carcases.
Most of the new EU implementing legislation does not represent
any significant change except in the way beef carcases may be
presented on the slaughter line (their ‘dressing specification’)
for classification and pricing whereby an agreed UK specification
is now legally recognised.
EU beef and pig classification and deadweight price reporting
continue to be compulsory for Member States, but classification
requirements remain optional for sheep.
The impact on the livestock sector of the proposed Regulations
is expected to be small. Those affected are operators of approved
slaughterhouses killing adult bovine animals and pigs, classifiers
of bovine animals and pigs, and beef and pig farmers.
The closing date for comments is 13 November 2009. To take view
and respond to the consultation documents click here: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/pathogens/index.htm
Contacts:
Defra Press Office
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Rosie Moss
Phone: 020 7238 5610
rosie.moss@defra.gsi.gov.uk