Meat groups hold talks with regulators to protect consumer trust

22-Feb-2018 - Last updated on 22-Feb-2018 at 12:21 GMT

Picture: iStock

Meat industry trade groups and regulatory agencies have met after a series of non-compliances with food hygiene regulations at cutting plants.

The Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland said they will continue to support meat businesses in understanding what is expected of them in relation to regulations.

“As regulators and industry bodies we have a shared interest in making sure that consumer trust in the UK meat industry remains high. The food chain depends on trust and we want people to be confident that the meat they enjoy has been produced to the highest standards.

“We recognise that some concerns have been uncovered by recent regulatory inspections. In most cases businesses involved have taken actions to demonstrate compliance and continue to trade normally. Where those concerns were serious, enforcement procedures have been put in place.”

Industry trade bodies present were the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, British Meat Processors Association, British Poultry Council, Farmers’ Union of Wales, Hampshire Game, International Meat Trade Association, National Association of Catering Butchers, National Federation of Meat & Food Traders, Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association and Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers.

FSA and FSS are to review meat cutting premises and cold stores UK-wide following incidents of ‘serious non-compliance’. Further details will be known later this month.

Issues had been found at 2 Sisters Food Group and Russell Hume – the latter fell into administration earlier this week.

Muscle Food recalled meat after an unannounced inspection by the FSA at DB Foods revealed concerns about procedures for use by dates and Fairfax Meadow also withdrew products for the same reason.