Brussels, 04/08/2011 (Agence Europe) - Generally speaking, the traceability systems in place and compulsory labelling of beef and minced beef were satisfactory, but a number of failures to comply with implementation of EU requirements were identified. These were the conclusions set out in a report after an audit carried out by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) in the United Kingdom from 7 to 18 March 2011. The objective of the audit was to evaluate the operation of controls concerning the traceability of beef and beef products.
The FVO considers, moreover, that the system in place covering the registration of bovine holdings and the identification of bovine animals in general meets the requirements of EU legislation. However, a number of non-compliances were identified. The UK authorities did not transpose relevant EU legislation concerning the requirements for livestock dealers. The percentage of lost ear tags, including the loss of both tags, is high. The official controls on the cattle identification system, in particular on the issuing of replacement tags, including double sets of tags are inadequate. Not all appropriate criteria laid down for the selection of farms were taken into account for the selection of holdings for cattle identification checks. The FVO also noted that discrepancies in the bovine identification and registration system found during the tuberculosis surveillance between the animals recorded in the database and those present on the holdings were not taken into account. A number of recommendations have been made to the competent authorities (CAs) with a view to addressing the deficiencies identified during the audit.
The conclusions reached after other FVO audits are summarised as follows:
Slovenia. The FVO carried out an audit from 28 March to 5 April 2011 to verify that official controls for poultry meat and poultry meat products were carried out in compliance with EU legislation. The report concludes that there is a comprehensive and documented system of official controls of poultry meat and poultry meat products, which includes regular and risk-based controls of farms and establishments. The system is found to be broadly in compliance with EU requirements. However, there are some weaknesses particular as regards following the procedures for granting approval to establishments, post-mortem inspection and implementation of systems based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.
Cyprus. The overall objective of the audit was to evaluate the implementation of requirements concerning animal by-products (ABP) and derived products not intended for human consumption. Overall, the report concludes that the relevant authorities have made significant progress since the last audit in 2005. As a consequence, the system in place to identify, collect and dispose of ABP and derived products and the relevant official controls are largely in line with the requirements laid down by EU regulations, with only minor deficiencies noted.
Estonia. An FVO report concludes that the system of official controls in place with regard to labelling rules and the marketing of animal products is appropriate and effective. The relevant authority is able to ensure correct application of the legislation and acts upstream, informing and advising farmers on labelling matters before the products can be marketed. The report does not make any recommendations to the relevant authorities in Estonia. (L.C./transl.jl)