91998E4046

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4046/98

by Ian White (PSE) to the Commission

(13 January 1999)

Subject: Levels of MHS supervision in licensed slaughterhouses

Would the Commission please specify why implementation regulations enacted in 1995 in full accordance with Directive 64/433/EEC(1) have been regarded by the Commission as failing to comply with the level of official veterinary supervision in licensed British slaughterhouses?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(15 February 1999)

The Commission has issued a reasoned opinion under Article 169 of the EC Treaty in respect of this matter. The principal infringement noted in this document concerns the level of supervision by qualified official veterinarians of United Kingdom meat plants. In particular the Commission has questioned the apparent inadequate frequency of veterinary controls in certain categories of establishment and the use of meat hygiene inspectors who are not qualified veterinarians to perform duties which under Community law must be carried out or adequately supervised by qualified veterinarians.

The United Kingdom has admitted that it currently has difficulties in recruiting sufficient veterinary staff. It recently submitted to the Commission its proposals for resolving this problem.

(1) OJ 121, 29.7.1964, p. 2012.