Report on meeting of Commission Working Group on Veterinary Legislation: 6 November 2006

There were further discussions on cold stores (at the previous meeting on 6 October cold stores approval and the date of freezing meat to prevent fraud had been discussed.)

A paper was tabled proposing a mandatory requirement for specific information to accompany products of animal origin and gained general support from Member States. It was also noted that labelling and traceability were responsibilities of the food business operator and it was suggested that this topic would be a suitable one for the production of a Community Guide.

The Commission noted that suggested amendments to information about the approval of cold stores would not be discussed, as these would be looked at as part of the review of the hygiene legislation.

The Commission again raised its proposal for freezing dates to be put on meat, which was discussed with no definite outcome.

After discussion, it was concluded that there would be no need for specific rules on whey.

The Commission raised the question as to whether there should be a list of species of animals which could (or could not) be sold for food. The Commission will ask Member State (MSs) for their views.

The proposals on 'clean' animals and the post-mortem inspection of udders were unopposed.

MSs concerned about the proposal to make the production of skin-on carcasses and, more generally, other parts of animals permissible. The Commission stated it was reluctant to accept the proposal. UK noted the need for the application of validated HACCP principles regardless.

The UK supported the UECBV proposal to remove 'unnecessary and arbitrary restrictions' on meat age. Limited support from other MSs and so no further debate. The Commission asked the UK specifically and other MSs to submit scientific papers.

Agreement that there was need for agreed criteria for absence of infestation and the Commission agreed to set up a working group to discuss this.

Agreement that 'reefer vessels' (vessels that receive frozen fish from other vessels) are not involved in primary production and therefore require approval.

With regard to whether vessel masters should sign health certificates, the Commission view was that masters should carry an authorisation document on board. The Commission asked MSs for further information.

For reference, a copy of the draft Regulation can be found linked to this page.

Article 1 - the definition with regard to lamb changed to 'not more than twelve months' with UK support. However, UK noted that the definition in the TSE Regulations, with a reference to the dentition of sheep, should be used.

Article 2 - discussion with regard to Official Veterinarian (OV) presence. Some MSs opposed to the wording considering it different to the definition in Regulation (EC) 854/2004. UK opposed Article 2 in principle as it potentially restricts the opportunity for applying a risk assessment only to small, low-throughput slaughterhouses, without consideration of animal type, operator's systems, records etc.

Article 3 - amendments removing lambs from 'controlled housing conditions' requirement generally welcomed.

The Commission intends starting the review process shortly and intended to complete the report and proposals by the end of 2007. The final date for the report would be 20 May 2009. The first meeting of the working groups will be 11 December 2006 - reports of these will be available on the Agency's web site.