Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (repealed)Show full title

Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption (repealed)

[X1ANNEX I U.K. FRESH MEAT

Editorial Information

SECTION I: U.K. TASKS OF THE OFFICIAL VETERINARIAN

CHAPTER I: U.K. AUDITING TASKS

1. In addition to the general requirements of Article 4(4) concerning audits of good hygiene practices, the official veterinarian is to verify continuous compliance with food business operators' own procedures concerning any collection, transport, storage, handling, processing and use or disposal of animal by-products, including specified risk material, for which the food business operator is responsible. U.K.
2. In addition to the general requirements of Article 4(5) concerning audits of HACCP-based principles, the official veterinarian is to check that the operators' procedures guarantee, to the extent possible, that meat: U.K.
(a)

does not contain patho-physiological abnormalities or changes;

(b)

does not bear faecal or other contamination;

and

(c)

does not contain specified risk material, except as provided for under Community legislation, and has been produced in accordance with Community legislation on TSEs.

CHAPTER II: U.K. INSPECTION TASKS

When carrying out inspection tasks in accordance with this Chapter, the official veterinarian is to take account of the results of the auditing tasks carried out in accordance with Article 4 and Chapter I of this Annex. Where appropriate he or she is to target inspection tasks accordingly.

A. Food chain information U.K.
1. The official veterinarian is to check and analyse relevant information from the records of the holding of provenance of animals intended for slaughter and to take account of the documented results of this check and analysis when carrying out ante- and post-mortem inspection. U.K.
2. When carrying out inspection tasks, the official veterinarian is to take account of official certificates accompanying animals, and any declarations made by veterinarians carrying out controls at the level of primary production, including official veterinarians and approved veterinarians. U.K.
3. When food business operators in the food chain take additional measures to guarantee food safety by implementing integrated systems, private control systems, independent third party certification or by other means, and when these measures are documented and animals covered by these schemes clearly identifiable, the official veterinarian may take this into account when carrying out inspection tasks and reviewing the HACCP-based procedures. U.K.
B. Ante-mortem inspection U.K.
1. Subject to paragraphs 4 and 5: U.K.
(a)

the official veterinarian is to carry out an ante-mortem inspection of all animals before slaughter;

(b)

that inspection must take place within 24 hours of arrival at the slaughterhouse and less than 24 hours before slaughter.

In addition, the official veterinarian may require inspection at any other time.

2. Ante-mortem inspection must in particular determine whether, as regards the particular animal inspected, there is any sign: U.K.
(a)

that welfare has been compromised;

or

(b)

[F1of any condition which might adversely affect human or animal health, paying particular attention to the detection of zoonotic diseases and animal diseases for which animal health rules are laid down in Union legislation.]

Textual Amendments

3. In addition to routine ante-mortem inspection, the official veterinarian is to carry out a clinical inspection of all animals that the food business operator or an official auxiliary may have put aside. U.K.
4. In the case of emergency slaughter outside the slaughterhouse and of hunted wild game, the official veterinarian at the slaughterhouse or game handling establishment is to examine the declaration accompanying the body of the animal issued by the veterinarian or the trained person in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 853/2004. U.K.
5. Where provided for in Section III, Chapter II, or in Section IV, ante-mortem inspection may be carried out at the holding of provenance. In such cases, the official veterinarian at the slaughterhouse need carry out ante-mortem inspection only when and to the extent specified. U.K.
C. Animal welfare U.K.

The official veterinarian is to verify compliance with relevant Community and national rules on animal welfare, such as rules concerning the protection of animals at the time of slaughter and during transport.

D. Post-mortem inspection U.K.
[F11. Carcases and accompanying offal must be subjected without delay after slaughter to post-mortem inspection. All external surfaces must be viewed. Minimal handling of the carcases and offal or special technical facilities may be required for that purpose. Particular attention must be paid to the detection of zoonotic diseases and animal diseases for which animal health rules are laid down in Union legislation. The speed of the slaughter line and the number of inspection staff present must be such as to allow for proper inspection.] U.K.
2. Additional examinations are to take place, such as palpation and incision of parts of the carcase and offal and laboratory tests, whenever considered necessary: U.K.
(a)

to reach a definitive diagnosis;

or

(b)

to detect the presence of:

(i)

an animal disease,

(ii)

residues or contaminants in excess of the levels laid down under Community legislation,

(iii)

non-compliance with microbiological criteria,

or

(iv)

other factors that might require the meat to be declared unfit for human consumption or restrictions to be placed on its use,

particularly in the case of animals having undergone emergency slaughter.

3. The official veterinarian is to require carcases of domestic solipeds, bovine animals over six months old, and domestic swine over four weeks old to be submitted for post-mortem inspection split lengthways into half carcases down the spinal column. If the inspection so necessitates, the official veterinarian may also require any head or any carcase to be split lengthways. However, to take account of particular eating habits, technological developments or specific sanitary situations, the competent authority may authorise the submission for inspection of carcases of domestic solipeds, bovine animals over six months old, and domestic swine over four weeks old, not split in half. U.K.
4. During the inspection, precautions must be taken to ensure that contamination of the meat by actions such as palpation, cutting or incision is kept to a minimum. U.K.
5. In the event of an emergency slaughter, the carcase shall be subjected to post-mortem examination as soon as possible in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 4 before it is released for human consumption. U.K.
E. Specified risk material and other animal by-products U.K.

In accordance with specific Community rules on specified risk material and other animal by-products, the official veterinarian is to check the removal, separation and, where appropriate, marking of such products. The official veterinarian is to ensure that the food business operator takes all necessary measures to avoid contaminating meat with specified risk material during slaughter (including stunning) and removal of specified risk material.

F. Laboratory testing U.K.
1. The official veterinarian is to ensure that sampling takes place and that samples are appropriately identified and handled and sent to the appropriate laboratory within the framework of: U.K.
(a)

the monitoring and control of zoonoses and zoonotic agents;

(b)

specific laboratory testing for the diagnosis of TSEs in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) ;

(c)

the detection of unauthorised substances or products and the control of regulated substances, in particular within the framework of the National Residue Plans referred to in Council Directive 96/23/EC (2) ;

and

(d)

[F1the detection of animal diseases for which animal health rules are laid down in Union legislation.]

2. The official veterinarian is also to ensure that any other necessary laboratory testing takes place. U.K.

CHAPTER III: U.K. HEALTH MARKING

1. The official veterinarian is to supervise health marking and the marks used. U.K.
2. The official veterinarian is to ensure, in particular, that: U.K.
(a)

the health mark is applied only to animals (domestic ungulates, farmed game mammals other than lagomorphs, and large wild game) having undergone ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection in accordance with this Regulation and when there are no grounds for declaring the meat unfit for human consumption. However, the health mark may be applied before the results of any examination for trichinosis is available, if the official veterinarian is satisfied that meat from the animal concerned will be placed on the market only if the results are satisfactory;

and

(b)

health-marking takes place on the external surface of the carcase, by stamping the mark in ink or hot branding, and in such a manner that, if carcases are cut into half carcases or quarters, or half carcases are cut into three pieces, each piece bears a health mark.

3. The health mark must be an oval mark at least 6,5 cm wide by 4,5 cm high bearing the following information in perfectly legible characters: U.K.
(a)

the mark must indicate name of the country in which the establishment is located, which may be written out in full in capitals or shown as a two-letter code in accordance with the relevant ISO standard.

In the case of Member States, however, these codes are [F2BE, [F3BG,] CZ, DK, DE, EE, GR, ES, FR, IE, IT, CY, LV, LT, LU, HU, MT, NL, AT, PL, PT, [F3RO,] SI, SK, FI, SE and UK;]

(b)

the mark must indicate the approval number of the slaughterhouse;

and

(c)

[F4when applied in a slaughterhouse located within the Community, the mark must include the abbreviation CE, EB, EC, EF, EG, EK, EO, EY, ES, EÜ, EK or WE.

Those abbreviations must not be included in marks applied on meat imported into the Community from slaughterhouses located outside the Community.]

Textual Amendments

4. Letters must be at least 0,8 cm high and figures at least 1 cm high. The dimensions and characters of the mark may be reduced for health marking of lamb, kids and piglets. U.K.
5. The colours used for health marking must be authorised in accordance with Community rules on the use of colouring substances in foodstuffs. U.K.
6. The health mark may also include an indication of the official veterinarian who carried out the health inspection of the meat. [F5Competent authorities and food business operators may continue to use equipment that they ordered before entry into force of this Regulation until it is exhausted or requires replacement.] U.K.

Textual Amendments

7. Meat from animals having undergone emergency slaughter outside the slaughterhouse must bear a special health mark, which cannot be confused either with the health mark provided for in this Chapter or with the identification mark provided for in Annex II, Section I, to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004. U.K.
8. Meat from unskinned wild game cannot bear a health mark unless, after skinning in a game handling establishment, it has undergone post-mortem inspection and been declared fit for human consumption. U.K.
9. This Chapter is to apply without prejudice to animal health rules on health marking. U.K.

SECTION II: U.K. ACTION FOLLOWING CONTROLS

CHAPTER I: U.K. COMMUNICATION OF INSPECTION RESULTS

1. The official veterinarian is to record and to evaluate the results of inspection activities. U.K.
2.
(a)

If inspections reveal the presence of any disease or condition that might affect public or animal health, or compromise animal welfare, the official veterinarian is to inform the food business operator.

(b)

When the problem identified arose during primary production, the official veterinarian is to inform the veterinarian attending the holding of provenance, the food business operator responsible for the holding of provenance (provided that such information would not prejudice subsequent legal proceedings) and, where appropriate, the competent authority responsible for supervising the holding of provenance or the hunting area.

(c)

If the animals concerned were raised in another Member State or in a third country, the official veterinarian is to inform to the competent authority of the Member State where the establishment is located. That competent authority is to take appropriate measures in accordance with applicable Community legislation.

3. The results of inspections and tests are to be included in relevant databases. U.K.
[F14. When the official veterinarian, while carrying out ante-mortem or post-mortem inspection or any other inspection activity, suspects the presence of an infectious agent of animal diseases for which animal health rules are laid down in Union legislation, the official veterinarian must notify as appropriate the competent authority and both must take all necessary measures and precautions to prevent the possible spread of the infectious agent in accordance with applicable Union legislation.] U.K.

CHAPTER II: U.K. DECISIONS CONCERNING FOOD CHAIN INFORMATION

1. The official veterinarian is to verify that animals are not slaughtered unless the slaughterhouse operator has been provided with and checked relevant food chain information. U.K.
2. However, the official veterinarian may allow animals to undergo slaughter in the slaughterhouse even if the relevant food chain information is not available. In this case, all relevant food chain information must be supplied before the carcase is approved for human consumption. Pending a final judgement, such carcases and related offal must be stored separately from other meat. U.K.
3. Notwithstanding paragraph 2, when relevant food chain information is not available within 24 hours of an animal's arrival at the slaughterhouse, all meat from the animal is to be declared unfit for human consumption. If the animal has not yet been slaughtered, it is to be killed separately from other animals. U.K.
4. When the accompanying records, documentation or other information shows that: U.K.
(a)

animals come from a holding or an area subject to a movement prohibition or other restriction for reasons of animal or public health;

(b)

rules on the use of veterinary medicinal products have not been complied with;

or

(c)

any other condition which might adversely affect human or animal health is present, animals may not be accepted for slaughter other than in accordance with procedures laid down under Community legislation to eliminate human or animal health risks.

If the animals are already present at the slaughterhouse, they must be killed separately and declared unfit for human consumption, taking precautions to safeguard animal and public health where appropriate. Whenever the official veterinarian considers it necessary, official controls are to be carried out on the holding of provenance.

5. The competent authority is to take appropriate action if it discovers that the accompanying records, documentation or other information do not correspond with the true situation on the holding of provenance or the true condition of the animals or aim deliberately to mislead the official veterinarian. The competent authority is to take action against the food business operator responsible for the holding of provenance of the animals, or any other person involved. This action may consist in particular of extra controls. The food business operator responsible for the holding of provenance or any other person involved are to bear the costs of such extra controls. U.K.

CHAPTER III: U.K. DECISIONS CONCERNING LIVE ANIMALS

1. The official veterinarian is to verify compliance with the food business operator's duty pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 to ensure that animals accepted for slaughter for human consumption are properly identified. The official veterinarian is to ensure that animals whose identity is not reasonably ascertainable are killed separately and declared unfit for human consumption. Whenever the official veterinarian considers it necessary, official controls are to be carried out on the holding of provenance. U.K.
2. When there are overriding animal welfare considerations, horses may undergo slaughter at the slaughterhouse even if the legally required information concerning their identity has not been supplied. However, this information must be supplied before the carcase may be declared fit for human consumption. These requirements also apply in the case of emergency slaughter of horses outside the slaughterhouse. U.K.
3. The official veterinarian is to verify compliance with the food business operator's duty under Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 to ensure that animals that have such hide, skin or fleece conditions that there is an unacceptable risk of contamination of the meat during slaughter are not slaughtered for human consumption unless they are cleaned beforehand. U.K.
4. Animals with a disease or condition that may be transmitted to animals or humans through handling or eating meat and, in general, animals showing clinical signs of systemic disease or emaciation, are not to be slaughtered for human consumption. Such animals must be killed separately, under conditions such that other animals or carcases can not be contaminated, and declared unfit for human consumption. U.K.
5. The slaughter of animals suspected of having a disease or condition that may adversely affect human or animal health is to be deferred. Such animals are to undergo detailed ante-mortem examination in order to make a diagnosis. In addition, the official veterinarian may decide that sampling and laboratory examinations are to take place to supplement post-mortem inspection. If necessary, the animals are to be slaughtered separately or at the end of normal slaughtering, taking all necessary precautions to avoid contamination of other meat. U.K.
6. Animals that might contain residues of veterinary medicinal products in excess of the levels laid down in accordance with Community legislation, or residues of forbidden substances, are to be dealt with in accordance with Directive 96/23/EC. U.K.
7. The official veterinarian is to impose the conditions under which animals are to be dealt with under a specific scheme for the eradication or control of a specific disease, such as brucellosis or tuberculosis, or zoonotic agents such as salmonella, under his/her direct supervision. The competent authority is to determine the conditions under which such animals may be slaughtered. These conditions must have the aim of minimising contamination of other animals and the meat of other animals. U.K.
8. Animals that are presented to a slaughterhouse for slaughter must as a general rule be slaughtered there. However, in exceptional circumstances, such as a serious breakdown of the slaughter facilities, the official veterinarian may allow direct movements to another slaughterhouse. U.K.

CHAPTER IV: U.K. DECISIONS CONCERNING ANIMAL WELFARE

1. When the rules concerning the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing are not respected, the official veterinarian is to verify that the food business operator immediately takes necessary corrective measures and prevents recurrence. U.K.
2. The official veterinarian is to take a proportionate and progressive approach to enforcement action, ranging from issuing directions to slowing down and stopping production, depending on the nature and gravity of the problem. U.K.
3. Where appropriate, the official veterinarian is to inform other competent authorities of welfare problems. U.K.
4. When the official veterinarian discovers that rules concerning the protection of animals during transport are not being respected, he or she is to take necessary measures in accordance with the relevant Community legislation. U.K.
5. When: U.K.
(a)

an official auxiliary is carrying out checks on animal welfare pursuant to Sections III or IV;

and

(b)

those checks identify non-compliance with the rules on the protection of animals,

the official auxiliary is immediately to inform the official veterinarian and, if necessary in cases of urgency, is to take the necessary measures referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4 pending the arrival of the official veterinarian.

CHAPTER V: U.K. DECISIONS CONCERNING MEAT

1. Meat is to be declared unfit for human consumption if it: U.K.
(a)

derives from animals that have not undergone ante-mortem inspection, except for hunted wild game;

(b)

derives from animals the offal of which has not undergone post-mortem inspection, unless otherwise provided for under this Regulation or Regulation (EC) No 853/2004;

(c)

derives from animals which are dead before slaughter, stillborn, unborn or slaughtered under the age of seven days;

(d)

results from the trimming of sticking points;

(e)

[F1derives from animals affected by animal diseases for which animal health rules are laid down in the Union legislation listed in Annex I to Council Directive 2002/99/EC (3) , except if it is obtained in conformity with the specific requirements provided for in that legislation, unless otherwise provided for in Section IV;]

(f)

derives from animals affected by a generalised disease, such as generalised septicaemia, pyaemia, toxaemia or viraemia;

(g)

is not in conformity with microbiological criteria laid down under Community legislation to determine whether food may be placed on the market;

(h)

exhibits parasitic infestation, unless otherwise provided for in Section IV;

(i)

contains residues or contaminants in excess of the levels laid down in Community legislation. Any overshooting of the relevant level should lead to additional analyses whenever appropriate;

(j)

without prejudice to more specific Community legislation, derives from animals or carcases containing residues of forbidden substances or from animals that have been treated with forbidden substances;

(k)

consists of the liver and kidneys of animals more than two years old from regions where implementation of plans approved in accordance with Article 5 of Directive 96/23/EC has revealed the generalised presence of heavy metals in the environment;

(l)

has been treated illegally with decontaminating substances;

(m)

has been treated illegally with ionising or UV-rays;

(n)

contains foreign bodies (except, in the case of wild game, material used to hunt the animal);

(o)

exceeds the maximum permitted radioactivity levels laid down under Community legislation;

(p)

indicates patho-physiological changes, anomalies in consistency, insufficient bleeding (except for wild game) or organoleptic anomalies, in particular a pronounced sexual odour;

(q)

derives from emaciated animals;

(r)

contains specified risk material, except as provided for under Community legislation;

(s)

shows soiling, faecal or other contamination;

(t)

consists of blood that may constitute a risk to public or animal health owing to the health status of any animal from which it derives or contamination arising during the slaughter process;

(u)

in the opinion of the official veterinarian, after examination of all the relevant information, it may constitute a risk to public or animal health or is for any other reason not suitable for human consumption.

[F12. The official veterinarian may impose requirements concerning the use of meat derived from animals: U.K.
(a)

having undergone emergency slaughter outside the slaughterhouse; or

(b)

if derived from flocks where a treatment of the meat will be applied in accordance with Part (E) of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 before placing the meat on the market.]

SECTION III: U.K. RESPONSIBILITIES AND FREQUENCY OF CONTROLS

CHAPTER I: U.K. OFFICIAL AUXILIARIES

Official auxiliaries may assist the official veterinarian with all tasks, subject to the following restrictions and to any specific rules laid down in Section IV:

1.

in relation to auditing tasks, official auxiliaries may only collect information regarding good hygienic practices and HACCP-based procedures;

2.

in relation to ante-mortem inspection and checks concerning the welfare of animals, official auxiliaries may only make an initial check of animals and help with purely practical tasks;

and

3.

in relation to post-mortem inspection, the official veterinarian must regularly check the work of official auxiliaries and, in the case of animals having undergone emergency slaughter outside the slaughterhouse, carry out the inspection personally.

CHAPTER II: U.K. FREQUENCY OF CONTROLS

1. The competent authority is to ensure that at least one official veterinarian is present: U.K.
(a)

in slaughterhouses, throughout both ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection;

and

(b)

in game handling establishments, throughout post-mortem inspection.

2. However, the competent authority may adapt this approach in certain slaughterhouses and game handling establishments identified on the basis of a risk analysis and in accordance with criteria laid down in accordance with Article 18, point 3, if there are any. In such cases: U.K.
(a)

the official veterinarian need not be present at the time of ante-mortem inspection in the slaughterhouse if:

(i)

an official veterinarian or an approved veterinarian carried out ante-mortem inspection at the holding of provenance, checked the food chain information and communicated the results of the check to the official auxiliary at the slaughterhouse,

(ii)

the official auxiliary at the slaughterhouse is satisfied that the food chain information does not point to any possible problem for food safety and that the animal's general state of health and welfare is satisfactory,

and

(iii)

the official veterinarian regularly satisfies himself/herself that the official auxiliary is carrying out such checks properly;

(b)

the official veterinarian need not be present at all times during post-mortem inspection if:

(i)

an official auxiliary carries out post-mortem inspection and puts aside meat with abnormalities and all other meat from the same animal,

(ii)

the official veterinarian subsequently inspects all such meat,

and

(iii)

the official auxiliary documents his/her procedures and findings in a manner that allows the official veterinarian to be satisfied that standards are being met.

However, in the case of poultry and lagomorphs, the official auxiliary may discard meat with abnormalities and, subject to Section IV, the official veterinarian need not systematically inspect all such meat.

3. The flexibility provided for in paragraph 2 does not apply: U.K.
(a)

to animals that have undergone emergency slaughter;

(b)

to animals suspected of having a disease or condition that may adversely affect human health;

(c)

to bovine animals from herds that have not been declared officially free of tuberculosis;

(d)

to bovine, ovine and caprine animals from herds that have not been declared officially free of brucellosis;

(e)

[F1in the case of an outbreak of animal diseases for which animal health rules are laid down in Union legislation. This concerns animals susceptible to the particular disease in question that come from the particular region as defined in Article 2 of Council Directive 64/432/EEC (4) ;

(f)

when stricter controls are necessary to take account of emerging diseases or particular OIE listed diseases.]

4. In cutting plants, the competent authority is to ensure that an official veterinarian or an official auxiliary is present when meat is being worked on with a frequency appropriate to achieving the objectives of this Regulation. U.K.

CHAPTER III: U.K. INVOLVEMENT OF SLAUGHTERHOUSE STAFF

A. SPECIFIC TASKS CONCERNING THE PRODUCTION OF MEAT FROM POULTRY AND LAGOMORPHS U.K.

The Member States may permit slaughterhouse staff to take over the activities of the official auxiliaries in controlling the production of poultry and rabbit meat under the following conditions:

(a)

[F4Where the establishment has used good hygiene practice in accordance with Article 4(4) of this Regulation and the HACCP procedure for at least 12 months, the competent authority may authorise staff of the establishment to carry out tasks of official auxiliaries. This authorisation may only be granted if the staff of the establishment have been trained, to the satisfaction of the competent authority, in the same way as the official auxiliaries for the tasks of official auxiliaries or for the specific tasks they are authorised to perform. This staff must be placed under the supervision, direction and responsibility of the official veterinarian. In these circumstances, the official veterinarian shall be present at ante-mortem and post-mortem examinations, shall supervise these activities and carry out regular performance tests to ensure that the performance of the slaughterhouse staff meets the specific criteria laid down by the competent authority, and shall document the results of those performance tests. Where the level of hygiene of the establishment is affected by the work of this staff, where this staff does not carry out the tasks properly or where in general this staff carries out its work in a manner that the competent authority considers unsatisfactory, this staff shall be replaced by official auxiliaries.]

(b)

The competent authority of the Member State shall decide, in principle and on a case-by-case basis, whether to permit the implementation of the system described above. Where the Member State decides in principle in favour of this system, it shall inform the Commission of that decision and its associated conditions. For food business operators in a Member State implementing the system, the actual use of the system is optional. Food business operators shall not be forced by the competent authority to introduce the system described here. Where the competent authority is not convinced that the food business operator satisfies the requirements, the system shall not be implemented in that establishment. In order to assess this, the competent authority shall carry out an analysis of the production and inspection records, the type of activities undertaken in the establishment, the history of compliance with rules, the expertise, professional attitude and sense of responsibility of the slaughterhouse staff in regard to food safety, together with other relevant information.

B. SPECIFIC SAMPLING AND TESTING TASKS U.K.

Slaughterhouse staff who have received specific training, under the supervision of the official veterinarian, may, under the responsibility and the supervision of the official veterinarian, carry out specific sampling and testing tasks in respect of animals of all species.

CHAPTER IV: U.K. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

A. OFFICIAL VETERINARIANS U.K.
1. The competent authority may appoint only veterinarians who have passed a test meeting the requirements of paragraph 2 as official veterinarians. U.K.
2. The competent authority must make arrangements for the test. The test is to confirm knowledge of the following subjects to the extent necessary depending on the veterinarian's background and qualifications: U.K.
(a)

national and Community legislation on veterinary public health, food safety, animal health, animal welfare and pharmaceutical substances;

(b)

principles of the common agricultural policy, market measures, export refunds and fraud detection (including the global context: WTO, SPS, Codex Alimentarius, OIE);

(c)

essentials of food processing and food technology;

(d)

principles, concepts and methods of good manufacturing practice and quality management;

(e)

pre-harvest quality management (good farming practices);

(f)

promotion and use of food hygiene, food related safety (good hygiene practices);

(g)

principles, concepts and methods of risk-analysis;

(h)

principles, concepts and methods of HACCP, use of HACCP throughout the food production food chain;

(i)

prevention and control of food-borne hazards related to human health;

(j)

population dynamics of infection and intoxication;

(k)

diagnostic epidemiology;

(l)

monitoring and surveillance systems;

(m)

auditing and regulatory assessment of food safety management systems;

(n)

principles and diagnostic applications of modern testing methods;

(o)

information and communication technology as related to veterinary public health;

(p)

data-handling and applications of biostatistics;

(q)

investigations of outbreaks of food-borne diseases in humans;

(r)

relevant aspects concerning TSEs;

(s)

animal welfare at the level of production, transport and slaughter;

(t)

environmental issues related to food production (including waste management);

(u)

precautionary principle and consumer concerns;

and

(v)

principles of training of personnel working in the production chain.

Candidates may acquire the required knowledge as part of their basic veterinary training, or through training undertaken, or professional experience acquired, after qualifying as veterinarians. The competent authority may arrange for different tests to take account of candidates' background. However, when the competent authority is satisfied that a candidate has acquired all the required knowledge as part of a university degree, or through continuing education resulting in a postgraduate qualification, it may waive the requirement for a test.

3. The veterinarian is to have aptitude for multidisciplinary cooperation. U.K.
4. In addition, each official veterinarian is to undergo practical training for a probationary period of at least 200 hours before starting to work independently. During this period the probationer is to work under the supervision of existing official veterinarians in slaughterhouses, cutting plants, inspection posts for fresh meat and on holdings. The training is to concern the auditing of food safety management systems in particular. U.K.
5. The official veterinarian is to maintain up-to-date knowledge and to keep abreast of new developments through regular continuing education activities and professional literature. The official veterinarian is, wherever possible, to undertake annual continuing education activities. U.K.
6. Veterinarians already appointed as official veterinarians must have adequate knowledge of the subjects mentioned in paragraph 2. Where necessary, they are to acquire this knowledge through continuing education activities. The competent authority is to make adequate provision in this regard. U.K.
7. Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 to 6, Member States may lay down specific rules for official veterinarians working on a part-time basis who are responsible for inspecting small businesses U.K.
B. OFFICIAL AUXILIARIES U.K.
1. The competent authority may appoint as official auxiliaries only persons who have undergone training and passed a test in accordance with the following requirements. U.K.
2. The competent authority must make arrangements for such tests. To be eligible for these tests, candidates must prove that they have received: U.K.
(a)

at least 500 hours of theoretical training and at least 400 hours of practical training, covering the areas specified in paragraph 5;

and

(b)

such additional training as is required to enable official auxiliaries to undertake their duties competently.

3. The practical training referred to in paragraph 2(a) is to take place in slaughterhouses and cutting plants, under the supervision of an official veterinarian, and on holdings and in other relevant establishments. U.K.
4. Training and tests are to concern principally red meat or poultrymeat. However, persons who undergo training for one of the two categories and passed the test need only undergo abridged training to pass the test for the other category. Training and test should cover wild game, farmed game and lagomorphs, where appropriate. U.K.
5. Training for official auxiliaries is to cover, and tests are to confirm knowledge of, the following subjects: U.K.
(a)

in relation to holdings:

(i)

theoretical part:

  • familiarity with the farming industry organisation, production methods, international trade etc.,

  • good livestock husbandry practices,

  • basic knowledge of diseases, in particular zoonoses — viruses, bacteria, parasites etc.,

  • monitoring for disease, use of medicines and vaccines, residue testing,

  • hygiene and health inspection,

  • animal welfare on the farm and during transport,

  • environmental requirements — in buildings, on farms and in general,

  • relevant laws, regulations and administrative provisions,

  • consumer concerns and quality control;

(ii)

practical part:

  • visits to holdings of different types and using different rearing methods,

  • visits to production establishments,

  • observation of the loading and unloading of animals,

  • laboratory demonstrations,

  • veterinary checks,

  • documentation;

(b)

in relation to slaughterhouses and cutting plants:

(i)

theoretical part:

  • familiarity with the meat industry organisation, production methods, international trade and slaughter and cutting technology,

  • basic knowledge of hygiene and good hygienic practices, and in particular industrial hygiene, slaughter, cutting and storage hygiene, hygiene of work,

  • HACCP and the audit of HACCP-based procedures,

  • animal welfare on unloading after transport and at the slaughterhouse,

  • basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of slaughtered animals,

  • basic knowledge of the pathology of slaughtered animals,

  • basic knowledge of the pathological anatomy of slaughtered animals,

  • relevant knowledge concerning TSEs and other important zoonoses and zoonotic agents,

  • knowledge of methods and procedures for the slaughter, inspection, preparation, wrapping, packaging and transport of fresh meat,

  • basic knowledge of microbiology,

  • ante-mortem inspection,

  • examination for trichinosis,

  • post-mortem inspection,

  • administrative tasks,

  • knowledge of the relevant laws, regulations and administrative provisions,

  • sampling procedure,

  • fraud aspects;

(ii)

practical part:

  • animal identification,

  • age checks,

  • inspection and assessment of slaughtered animals,

  • post-mortem inspection in a slaughterhouse,

  • examination for trichinosis,

  • identification of animal species by examination of typical parts of the animal,

  • identifying and commenting on parts of slaughtered animals in which changes have occurred,

  • hygiene control, including the audit of the good hygiene practices and the HACCP-based procedures,

  • recording the results of ante-mortem inspection,

  • sampling,

  • traceability of meat,

  • documentation.

6. Official auxiliaries are to maintain up-to-date knowledge and to keep abreast of new developments through regular continuing education activities and professional literature. The official auxiliary is, wherever possible, to undertake annual continuing education activities. U.K.
7. Persons already appointed as official auxiliaries must have adequate knowledge of the subjects mentioned in paragraph 5. Where necessary, they are to acquire this knowledge through continuing education activities. The competent authority is to make adequate provision in this regard. U.K.
8. However, when official auxiliaries carry out only sampling and analysis in connection with examinations for trichinosis, the competent authority need only ensure that they receive training appropriate to these tasks. U.K.

SECTION IV: U.K. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER I: U.K. DOMESTIC BOVINE ANIMALS

A. BOVINE ANIMALS UNDER SIX WEEKS OLD U.K.

Carcases and offal of bovine animals under six weeks old are to undergo the following post-mortem inspection procedures:

1.

visual inspection of the head and throat; incision and examination of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes ( Lnn retropharyngiales ); inspection of the mouth and fauces; palpation of the tongue; [F6removal of the tonsils;]

2.

visual inspection of the lungs, trachea and oesophagus; palpation of the lungs; incision and examination of the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes ( Lnn. bifucationes, eparteriales and mediastinales ). The trachea and the main branches of the bronchi must be opened lengthwise and the lungs must be incised in their posterior third, perpendicular to their main axes; these incisions are not necessary where the lungs are excluded from human consumption;

3.

visual inspection of the pericardium and heart, the latter being incised lengthwise so as to open the ventricles and cut through the interventricular septum;

4.

visual inspection of the diaphragm;

5.

visual inspection of the liver and the hepatic and pancreatic lymph nodes, ( Lnn portales ); palpation and, if necessary, incision of the liver and its lymph nodes;

6.

visual inspection of the gastro-intestinal tract, the mesentery, the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes ( Lnn. gastrici, mesenterici, craniales and caudales ); palpation and, if necessary, incision of the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes;

7.

visual inspection and, if necessary, palpation of the spleen;

8.

visual inspection of the kidneys; incision, if necessary, of the kidneys and the renal lymph nodes ( Lnn. renales );

9.

visual inspection of the pleura and peritoneum;

10.

visual inspection and palpation of the umbilical region and the joints. In the event of doubt, the umbilical region must be incised and the joints opened; the synovial fluid must be examined.

Textual Amendments

B. BOVINE ANIMALS OVER SIX WEEKS OLD U.K.

Carcases and offal of bovine animals over six weeks old are to undergo the following post-mortem inspection procedures:

1.

visual inspection of the head and throat; incision and examination of the sub-maxillary, retropharyngeal and parotid lymph nodes ( Lnn retropharyngiales, mandibulares and parotidei ); examination of the external masseters, in which two incisions must be made parallel to the mandible, and the internal masseters (internal pterygoid muscles), which must be incised along one plane. The tongue must be freed to permit a detailed visual inspection of the mouth and the fauces and must itself be visually inspected and palpated [F7;] [F6The tonsils must be removed;]

2.

inspection of the trachea and oesophagus; visual examination and palpation of the lungs; incision and examination of the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes ( Lnn. bifucationes, eparteriales and mediastinales ). The trachea and the main branches of the bronchi must be opened lengthways and the lungs must be incised in their posterior third, perpendicular to their main axes; these incisions are not necessary where the lungs are excluded from human consumption;

3.

visual inspection of the pericardium and heart, the latter being incised lengthways so as to open the ventricles and cut through the interventricular septum;

4.

visual inspection of the diaphragm;

5.

visual inspection and palpation of the liver and the hepatic and pancreatic lymph nodes, ( Lnn portales ); incision of the gastric surface of the liver and at the base of the caudate lobe to examine the bile ducts;

6.

visual inspection of the gastro-intestinal tract, the mesentery, the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes ( Lnn. gastrici, mesenterici, craniales and caudales ); palpation and, if necessary, incision of the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes;

7.

visual inspection and, if necessary, palpation of the spleen;

8.

visual inspection of the kidneys and incision, if necessary, of the kidneys and the renal lymph nodes ( Lnn. renales );

9.

visual inspection of the pleura and the peritoneum;

10.

visual inspection of the genital organs (except for the penis, if already discarded);

11.

visual inspection and, if necessary, palpation and incision of the udder and its lymph nodes ( Lnn. supramammarii ). In cows, each half of the udder must be opened by a long, deep incision as far as the lactiferous sinuses ( sinus lactiferes ) and the lymph nodes of the udder must be incised, except when the udder is excluded from human consumption.

Textual Amendments

CHAPTER II: U.K. DOMESTIC SHEEP AND GOATS

Carcases and offal of sheep and goats are to undergo the following post-mortem inspection procedures:

1.

visual inspection of the head after flaying and, in the event of doubt, examination of the throat, mouth, tongue and retropharyngeal and parotid lymph nodes. Without prejudice to animal-health rules, these examinations are not necessary if the competent authority is able to guarantee that the head, including the tongue and the brains, will be excluded from human consumption;

2.

visual inspection of the lungs, trachea and oesophagus; palpation of the lungs and the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes ( Lnn. bifucationes, eparteriales and mediastinales ); in the event of doubt, these organs and lymph nodes must be incised and examined;

3.

visual inspection of the pericardium and heart; in the event of doubt, the heart must be incised and examined;

4.

visual inspection of the diaphragm;

5.

visual inspection of the liver and the hepatic and pancreatic lymph nodes, ( Lnn portales ); palpation of the liver and its lymph nodes; incision of the gastric surface of the liver to examine the bile ducts;

6.

visual inspection of the gastro-intestinal tract, the mesentery and the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes ( Lnn. gastrici, mesenterici, craniales and caudales );

7.

visual inspection and, if necessary, palpation of the spleen;

8.

visual inspection of the kidneys; incision, if necessary, of the kidneys and the renal lymph nodes ( Lnn. renales );

9.

visual inspection of the pleura and peritoneum;

10.

visual inspection of the genital organs (except for the penis, if already discarded);

11.

visual inspection of the udder and its lymph nodes;

12.

visual inspection and palpation of the umbilical region and joints of young animals. In the event of doubt, the umbilical region must be incised and the joints opened; the synovial fluid must be examined.

CHAPTER III: U.K. DOMESTIC SOLIPEDS

Carcases and offal of solipeds are to undergo the following post-mortem inspection procedures:

1.

visual inspection of the head and, after freeing the tongue, the throat; palpation and, if necessary, incision of the sub-maxillary, retropharyngeal and parotid lymph nodes ( Lnn retropharyngiales, mandibulares and parotidei ). The tongue must be freed to permit a detailed visual inspection of the mouth and the fauces and must itself be visually examined and palpated [F7;] [F6The tonsils must be removed;]

2.

visual inspection of the lungs, trachea and oesophagus; palpation of the lungs; palpation and, if necessary, incision of the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes ( Lnn. bifucationes, eparteriales and mediastinales ). The trachea and the main branches of the bronchi must be opened lengthwise and the lungs must be incised in their posterior third, perpendicular to their main axes; however, these incisions are not necessary where the lungs are excluded from human consumption;

3.

visual inspection of the pericardium and the heart, the latter being incised lengthwise so as to open the ventricles and cut through the interventricular septum;

4.

visual inspection of the diaphragm;

5.

visual inspection, palpation and, if necessary, incision of the liver and the hepatic and pancreatic lymph nodes, ( Lnn portales );

6.

visual inspection of the gastro-intestinal tract, the mesentery and the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes ( Lnn. gastrici, mesenterici, craniales and caudales ); incision, if necessary, of the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes;

7.

visual inspection and, if necessary, palpation of the spleen;

8.

visual inspection and palpation of the kidneys; incision, if necessary, of the kidneys and the renal lymph nodes ( Lnn. renales );

9.

visual inspection of the pleura and peritoneum;

10.

visual inspection of the genital organs of stallions (except for the penis, if already discarded) and mares;

11.

visual inspection of the udder and its lymph nodes ( Lnn. supramammarii ) and, if necessary, incision of the supramammary lymph nodes;

12.

visual inspection and palpation of the umbilical region and joints of young animals. In the event of doubt, the umbilical region must be incised and the joints opened; the synovial fluid must be examined;

13.

all grey or white horses must be inspected for melanosis and melanomata by examination of the muscles and lymph nodes ( Lnn. subrhomboidei ) of the shoulders beneath the scapular cartilage after loosening the attachment of one shoulder. The kidneys must be exposed and examined by incision through the entire kidney.

CHAPTER IV: U.K. DOMESTIC SWINE

A. ANTE-MORTEM INSPECTION U.K.
1. The competent authority may decide that pigs intended for slaughter are to be submitted to ante-mortem inspection at the holding of provenance. In that case, slaughter of a lot of pigs from a holding may be authorised only if: U.K.
(a)

the health certificate provided for in Chapter X, Part A, accompanies them;

and

(b)

the requirements of paragraphs 2 to 5 are complied with.

2. Ante-mortem inspection at the holding of provenance is to comprise: U.K.
(a)

checks on records or documentation at the holding, including food chain information;

(b)

the examination of the pigs to determine whether:

(i)

they have a disease or condition which may be transmitted to animals or humans through handling or eating the meat, or are behaving, individually or collectively, in a manner indicating that such a disease may occur,

(ii)

they show disturbance of general behaviour or signs of disease which may make the meat unfit for human consumption,

or

(iii)

there is evidence or reasons to suspect that they may contain chemical residues in excess of the levels laid down in Community legislation, or residues of forbidden substances.

3. An official veterinarian or an approved veterinarian is to carry out ante-mortem inspection at the holding. The pigs are to be sent directly to slaughter and not to be mixed with other pigs. U.K.
4. Ante-mortem inspection at the slaughterhouse need cover only: U.K.
(a)

a control of the animals' identification;

and

(b)

a screening to ascertain whether animal welfare rules have been complied with and whether signs of any condition which might adversely affect human or animal health are present. An official auxiliary may carry out this screening.

5. When pigs are not slaughtered within three days of the issue of the health certificate provided for in paragraph 1(a): U.K.
(a)

if the pigs have not left the holding of provenance for the slaughterhouse, they are to be re-examined and a new health certificate issued;

(b)

if the pigs are already en route for or at the slaughterhouse, slaughter may be authorised once the reason for the delay has been assessed, provided that the pigs undergo a further veterinary ante-mortem inspection.

B. POST-MORTEM INSPECTION U.K.
1. Carcases and offal of pigs other than those referred to in paragraph 2 are to undergo the following post-mortem inspection procedures: U.K.
(a)

visual inspection of the head and throat; incision and examination of the submaxillary lymph nodes ( Lnn mandibulares ); visual inspection of the mouth, fauces and tongue;

(b)

visual inspection of the lungs, trachea and oesophagus; palpation of the lungs and the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes ( Lnn. bifucationes, eparteriales and mediastinales ). The trachea and the main branches of the bronchi must be opened lengthwise and the lungs must be incised in their posterior third, perpendicular to their main axes; these incisions are not necessary where the lungs are excluded from human consumption;

(c)

visual inspection of the pericardium and heart, the latter being incised lengthwise so as to open the ventricles and cut through the interventricular septum;

(d)

visual inspection of the diaphragm;

(e)

visual inspection of the liver and the hepatic and pancreatic lymph nodes, ( Lnn portales ); palpation of the liver and its lymph nodes;

(f)

visual inspection of the gastro-intestinal tract, the mesentery, the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes ( Lnn. gastrici, mesenterici, craniales and caudales ); palpation and, if necessary, incision of the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes;

(g)

visual inspection and, if necessary, palpation of the spleen;

(h)

visual inspection of the kidneys; incision, if necessary, of the kidneys and the renal lymph nodes ( Lnn. renales );

(i)

visual inspection of the pleura and peritoneum;

(j)

visual inspection of the genital organs (except for the penis, if already discarded);

(k)

visual inspection of the udder and its lymph nodes ( Lnn. supramammarii ); incision of the supramammary lymph nodes in sows;

(l)

visual inspection and palpation of the umbilical region and joints of young animals; in the event of doubt, the umbilical region must be incised and the joints opened.

2. The competent authority may decide, on the basis of epidemiological or other data from the holding, that fattening pigs housed under controlled housing conditions in integrated production systems since weaning need, in some or all of the cases referred to in paragraph 1, only undergo visual inspection. U.K.

CHAPTER V: U.K. POULTRY

A. ANTE-MORTEM INSPECTION U.K.
1. The competent authority may decide that poultry intended for slaughter are to be submitted to ante-mortem inspection at the holding of provenance. In that case, slaughter of a flock of birds from a holding may be authorised only if: U.K.
(a)

the health certificate provided for in Chapter X, Part A, accompanies them;

and

(b)

the requirements of paragraphs 2 to 5 are complied with.

2. Ante-mortem inspection on the holding of provenance is to comprise: U.K.
(a)

checks on records or documentation at the holding, including food chain information;

(b)

a flock inspection, to determine whether the birds:

(i)

have a disease or condition which may be transmitted to animals or humans through handling or eating the meat, or are behaving in a manner indicating that such a disease may occur,

(ii)

show disturbance of general behaviour or signs of disease which may make the meat unfit for human consumption,

or

(iii)

show evidence that they may contain chemical residues in excess of the levels laid down in Community legislation, or residues of forbidden substances.

3. An official veterinarian or an approved veterinarian is to carry out ante-mortem inspection at the holding. U.K.
4. Ante-mortem inspection at the slaughterhouse need only cover: U.K.
(a)

a control of the animals' identification;

and

(b)

a screening to ascertain whether animal welfare rules have been complied with and whether signs of any condition which might adversely affect human or animal health are present. An official auxiliary may carry out this screening.

5. When birds are not slaughtered within three days of the issue of the health certificate referred to in paragraph 1(a): U.K.
(a)

if the flock has not left the holding of provenance for the slaughterhouse, it is to be re-examined and a new health certificate issued;

(b)

if the flock is already en route for or at the slaughterhouse, slaughter may be authorised once the reason for the delay has been assessed, provided that the flock is re-examined.

6. When ante-mortem inspection is not carried out at the holding, the official veterinarian is to carry out a flock inspection at the slaughterhouse. U.K.
7. If the birds show clinical symptoms of a disease, they may not be slaughtered for human consumption. However, killing of these birds on the slaughter line may take place at the end of the normal slaughter process, if precautions are taken to avoid the risk of spreading pathogenic organisms and to clean and disinfect the facilities immediately after killing. U.K.
8. In the case of poultry reared for the production of ‘ foie gras ’ and delayed eviscerated poultry slaughtered at the holding of provenance, ante-mortem inspection is to be carried out in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3. A certificate conforming to the model set out in Part C is to accompany the uneviscerated carcases to the slaughterhouse or cutting plant. U.K.
B. Post-mortem inspection U.K.
1. All birds are to undergo post-mortem inspection in accordance with Sections I and III. In addition, the official veterinarian is personally to carry out the following checks: U.K.
(a)

daily inspection of the viscera and body cavities of a representative sample of birds;

(b)

a detailed inspection of a random sample, from each batch of birds having the same origin, of parts of birds or entire birds declared unfit for human consumption following post-mortem inspection;

and

(c)

any further investigations necessary when there is reason to suspect that the meat from the birds concerned could be unfit for human consumption.

2. In the case of poultry reared for the production of ‘ foie gras ’ and delayed eviscerated poultry obtained at the holding of provenance, post-mortem inspection is to include a check on the certificate accompanying the carcases. When such carcases are transported directly from the holding to a cutting plant, post-mortem inspection is to take place at the cutting plant. U.K.
C. SPECIMEN HEALTH CERTIFICATE U.K.

CHAPTER VI: U.K. FARMED LAGOMORPHS

The requirements for poultry are to apply to farmed lagomorphs.

CHAPTER VII: U.K. FARMED GAME

A. Ante-mortem inspection U.K.
1. Ante-mortem inspection may be carried out at the holding of provenance when the requirements of Annex III, Section III, to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 are satisfied. In this case, an official veterinarian or an approved veterinarian is to carry out ante-mortem inspection. U.K.
2. Ante-mortem inspection at the holding is to include checks on the records or documentation at the holding, including food chain information. U.K.
3. When ante-mortem inspection takes place no more than three days before the arrival of the animals at the slaughterhouse, and animals are delivered to the slaughterhouse live, ante-mortem inspection at the slaughterhouse need only cover: U.K.
(a)

a control of the animals' identification;

and

(b)

a screening to ascertain whether animal welfare rules have been complied with and whether signs of any condition which might adversely affect human or animal health are present.

[F84. A certificate conforming to the specimen in Chapter X, Part A, is to accompany live animals inspected at the holding. A certificate conforming to the specimen in Chapter X, Part B, is to accompany animals inspected and slaughtered at the holding. A certificate conforming to the specimen in Chapter X, Part C, is to accompany animals inspected and slaughtered at the holding in accordance with point 3a of Section III of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.] U.K.

Textual Amendments

[F95. When the competent authority authorises that the food business operator may attest the correct slaughter and bleeding of animals, the official veterinarian or approved veterinarian shall carry out regular checks on the performance of the person carrying out the slaughter and bleeding.] U.K.

Textual Amendments

B. Post-mortem inspection U.K.
1. This inspection is to include palpation and, where judged necessary, incision of those parts of the animal which have undergone any change or are suspect for any other reason. U.K.
2. Post-mortem inspection procedures described for bovine and ovine animals, domestic swine and poultry are to be applied to the corresponding species of farmed game. U.K.
3. When the animals have been slaughtered at the holding, the official veterinarian at the slaughterhouse is to check the certificate accompanying them. U.K.

CHAPTER VIII: U.K. WILD GAME

A. Post-mortem inspection U.K.
1. Wild game is to be inspected as soon as possible after admission to the game handling establishment. U.K.
2. The official veterinarian is to take account of the declaration or information that the trained person involved in hunting the animal has provided in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 853/2004. U.K.
3. During post-mortem inspection, the official veterinarian is to carry out: U.K.
(a)

a visual examination of the carcase, its cavities and, where appropriate, organs with a view to:

(i)

detecting any abnormalities not resulting from the hunting process. For this purpose, the diagnosis may be based on any information that the trained person has provided concerning the behaviour of the animal before killing,

(ii)

checking that death was not caused by reasons other than hunting.

If an assessment cannot be made on the basis of visual examination alone, a more extensive inspection must be carried out in a laboratory;

(b)

an investigation of organoleptic abnormalities;

(c)

palpation of organs, where appropriate;

(d)

where there are serious grounds for suspecting the presence of residues or contaminants, an analysis by sampling of residues not resulting from the hunting process, including environmental contaminants. When a more extensive inspection is made on the basis of such suspicions, the veterinarian must wait until that inspection has been concluded before assessing all the game killed during a specific hunt, or those parts suspected of showing the same abnormalities;

(e)

examination for characteristics indicating that the meat presents a health risk, including:

(i)

abnormal behaviour or disturbance of the general condition of the live animal, as reported by the hunter,

(ii)

the generalised presence of tumours or abscesses affecting different internal organs or muscles,

(iii)

arthritis, orchitis, pathological changes in the liver or the spleen, inflammation of the intestines or the umbilical region,

(iv)

the presence of foreign bodies not resulting from the hunting process in the body cavities, stomach or intestines or in the urine, where the pleura or peritoneum are discoloured (when relevant viscera are present),

(v)

the presence of parasites,

(vi)

formation of a significant amount of gas in the gastro-intestinal tract with discolouring of the internal organs (when these viscera are present),

(vii)

significant abnormalities of colour, consistency or odour of muscle tissue or organs,

(viii)

aged open fractures,

(ix)

emaciation and/or general or localised oedema,

(x)

recent pleural or peritoneal adhesions,

and

(xi)

other obvious extensive changes, such as putrefaction.

4. Where the official veterinarian so requires, the vertebral column and the head are to be split lengthwise. U.K.
5. In the case of small wild game not eviscerated immediately after killing, the official veterinarian is to carry out a post-mortem inspection on a representative sample of animals from the same source. Where inspection reveals a disease transmissible to man or any of the characteristics listed in paragraph 3(e), the official veterinarian is to carry out more checks on the entire batch to determine whether it must be declared unfit for human consumption or whether each carcase must be inspected individually. U.K.
6. In the event of doubt, the official veterinarian may perform any further cuts and inspections of the relevant parts of the animals necessary to reach a final diagnosis. U.K.
B. Decisions following controls U.K.

In addition to the cases provided for in Section II, Chapter V, meat presenting during post-mortem inspection any of the characteristics listed in paragraph 3(e) of Part A is to be declared unfit for human consumption.

CHAPTER IX: U.K. SPECIFIC HAZARDS

A. Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies U.K.

Official controls carried out in relation to TSEs are to take account of the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 and other relevant Community legislation.

B. Cysticercosis U.K.
1. The post-mortem inspection procedures described in Chapters I and IV are the minimum requirements for the examination for cysticercosis in bovine animals over six weeks old and swine. In addition, specific serological tests may be used. In the case of bovines over six weeks old, incision of the masseters at post-mortem inspection is not compulsory when a specific serological test is used. The same applies when bovine animals over six weeks old have been raised on a holding officially certified to be free of cysticercosis. U.K.
2. Meat infected with cysticercus is to be declared unfit for human consumption. However, when the animal is not generally infected with cysticercus, the parts not infected may be declared fit for human consumption after having undergone a cold treatment. U.K.
C. Trichinosis U.K.
1. Carcases of swine (domestic, farmed game and wild game), solipeds and other species susceptible to trichinosis are to be examined for trichinosis in accordance with applicable Community legislation, unless that legislation provides otherwise. U.K.
2. Meat from animals infected with trichinae is to be declared unfit for human consumption. U.K.
D. Glanders U.K.
1. Where appropriate, solipeds are to be examined for glanders. Examination for glanders in solipeds is to include a careful examination of mucous membranes from the trachea, larynx, nasal cavities and sinuses and their ramifications, after splitting the head in the median plane and excising the nasal septum. U.K.
2. Meat from horses in which glanders has been diagnosed are to be declared unfit for human consumption. U.K.
E. Tuberculosis U.K.
1. When animals have reacted positively or inconclusively to tuberculin, or there are other grounds for suspecting infection, they are to be slaughtered separately from other animals, taking precautions to avoid the risk of contamination of other carcases, the slaughter line and staff present in the slaughterhouse. U.K.
2. All meat from animals in which post-mortem inspection has revealed localised tuberculous lesions in a number of organs or a number of areas of the carcase is to be declared unfit for human consumption. However, when a tuberculous lesion has been found in the lymph nodes of only one organ or part of the carcase, only the affected organ or part of the carcase and the associated lymph nodes need be declared unfit for human consumption. U.K.
F. Brucellosis U.K.
1. When animals have reacted positively or inconclusively to a brucellosis test, or there are other grounds for suspecting infection, they are to be slaughtered separately from other animals, taking precautions to avoid the risk of contamination of other carcases, the slaughter line and staff present in the slaughterhouse. U.K.
2. Meat from animals in which post-mortem inspection has revealed lesions indicating acute infection with brucellosis is to be declared unfit for human consumption. In the case of animals reacting positively or inconclusively to a brucellosis test, the udder, genital tract and blood must be declared unfit for human consumption even if no such lesion is found. U.K.

CHAPTER X: U.K. SPECIMEN HEALTH CERTIFICATE

A. SPECIMEN HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR LIVE ANIMALS U.K.

B. SPECIMEN HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR ANIMALS SLAUGHTERED AT THE HOLDING U.K.

[F9C. SPECIMEN HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR FARMED GAME SLAUGHTERED AT THE HOLDING in accordance with point 3a of Section III of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.] U.K.

ANNEX II U.K. LIVE BIVALVE MOLLUSCS

CHAPTER I: U.K. SCOPE

This Annex applies to live bivalve molluscs and, by analogy, to live echinoderms, live tunicates and live marine gastropods.

CHAPTER II: U.K. OFFICIAL CONTROLS CONCERNING LIVE BIVALVE MOLLUSCS FROM CLASSIFIED PRODUCTION AREAS

A. CLASSIFICATION OF PRODUCTION AND RELAYING AREAS U.K.

1. The competent authority must fix the location and boundaries of production and relaying areas that it classifies. It may, where appropriate, do so in cooperation with the food business operator. U.K.
2. The competent authority must classify production areas from which it authorises the harvesting of live bivalve molluscs as being of one of three categories according to the level of faecal contamination. It may, where appropriate, do so in cooperation with the food business operator. U.K.
3. The competent authority may classify as being of Class A areas from which live bivalve molluscs may be collected for direct human consumption. Live bivalve molluscs taken from these areas must meet the health standards for live bivalve molluscs laid down in Annex III, Section VII, Chapter V, of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004. U.K.
[F2 [F44. The competent authority may classify as being of Class B areas from which live bivalve molluscs may be collected and only placed on the market for human consumption after treatment in a purification centre or after relaying so as to meet the health standards referred to in paragraph 3. Live bivalve molluscs from these areas must not exceed, in 90 % of the samples, 4 600 E. coli per 100 g of flesh and intravalvular liquid. In the remaining 10 % of samples, live bivalve molluscs must not exceed 46 000 E. coli per 100 g of flesh and intravalvular liquid. U.K.

The reference method for this analysis is the five-tube, three dilutions Most Probable Number (MPN) test specified in ISO 16649-3. Alternative methods may be used if they are validated against this reference method in accordance with the criteria in EN/ISO 16140.]

5. The competent authority may classify as being of Class C areas from which live bivalve molluscs may be collected and only placed on the market after relaying over a long period so as to meet the health standards referred to in paragraph 3. Live bivalve molluscs from these areas must not exceed 46 000 E. coli per 100 g of flesh and intravalvular liquid. The reference method for this analysis is the five-tube, three dilutions MPN test specified in ISO 16649-3. Alternative methods may be used if they are validated against this reference method in accordance with the criteria in EN/ISO 16140.] U.K.
6. If the competent authority decides in principle to classify a production or relaying area, it must: U.K.
(a)

make an inventory of the sources of pollution of human or animal origin likely to be a source of contamination for the production area;

(b)

examine the quantities of organic pollutants which are released during the different periods of the year, according to the seasonal variations of both human and animal populations in the catchment area, rainfall readings, waste-water treatment, etc.;

(c)

determine the characteristics of the circulation of pollutants by virtue of current patterns, bathymetry and the tidal cycle in the production area;

and

(d)

establish a sampling programme of bivalve molluscs in the production area which is based on the examination of established data, and with a number of samples, a geographical distribution of the sampling points and a sampling frequency which must ensure that the results of the analysis are as representative as possible for the area considered.

B. MONITORING OF CLASSIFIED RELAYING AND PRODUCTION AREAS U.K.

1. Classified relaying and production areas must be periodically monitored to check: U.K.
(a)

that there is no malpractice with regard to the origin, provenance and destination of live bivalve molluscs;

(b)

the microbiological quality of live bivalve molluscs in relation to the production and relaying areas;

(c)

for the presence of toxin-producing plankton in production and relaying waters and biotoxins in live bivalve molluscs;

and

(d)

for the presence of chemical contaminants in live bivalve molluscs.

2. To implement paragraph 1(b), (c) and (d), sampling plans must be drawn up providing for such checks to take place at regular intervals, or on a case-by-case basis if harvesting periods are irregular. The geographical distribution of the sampling points and the sampling frequency must ensure that the results of the analysis are as representative as possible for the area considered. U.K.
3. Sampling plans to check the microbiological quality of live bivalve molluscs must take particular account of: U.K.
(a)

the likely variation in faecal contamination,

and

(b)

the parameters referred to in paragraph 6 of Part A.

4. Sampling plans to check for the presence of toxin-producing plankton in production and relaying waters and for biotoxins in live bivalve molluscs must take particular account of possible variations in the presence of plankton containing marine biotoxins. Sampling must comprise: U.K.
(a)

periodic sampling to detect changes in the composition of plankton containing toxins and their geographical distribution. Results suggesting an accumulation of toxins in mollusc flesh must be followed by intensive sampling;

(b)

periodic toxicity tests using those molluscs from the affected area most susceptible to contamination.

5. The sampling frequency for toxin analysis in the molluscs is, as a general rule, to be weekly during the periods at which harvesting is allowed. This frequency may be reduced in specific areas, or for specific types of molluscs, if a risk assessment on toxins or phytoplankton occurrence suggests a very low risk of toxic episodes. It is to be increased where such an assessment suggests that weekly sampling would not be sufficient. The risk assessment is to be periodically reviewed in order to assess the risk of toxins occurring in the live bivalve molluscs from these areas. U.K.
6. When knowledge of toxin accumulation rates is available for a group of species growing in the same area, a species with the highest rate may be used as an indicator species. This will allow the exploitation of all species in the group if toxin levels in the indicator species are below the regulatory limits. When toxin levels in the indicator species are above the regulatory limits, harvesting of the other species is only to be allowed if further analysis on the other species shows toxin levels below the limits. U.K.
7. With regard to the monitoring of plankton, the samples are to be representative of the water column and to provide information on the presence of toxic species as well as on population trends. If any changes in toxic populations that may lead to toxin accumulation are detected, the sampling frequency of molluscs is to be increased or precautionary closures of the areas are to be established until results of toxin analysis are obtained. U.K.
8. Sampling plans to check for the presence of chemical contaminants must enable the detection of any overshooting of the levels laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 466/2001 (5) . U.K.

C. DECISIONS AFTER MONITORING U.K.

1. Where the results of sampling show that the health standards for molluscs are exceeded, or that there may be otherwise a risk to human health, the competent authority must close the production area concerned, preventing the harvesting of live bivalve molluscs. However, the competent authority may reclassify a production area as being of Class B or C if it meets the relevant criteria set out in Part A and presents no other risk to human health. U.K.
2. The competent authority may re-open a closed production area only if the health standards for molluscs once again comply with Community legislation. If the competent authority closes a production because of the presence of plankton or excessive levels of toxins in molluscs, at least two consecutive results below the regulatory limit separated at least 48 hours are necessary to re-open it. The competent authority may take account of information on phytoplankton trends when taking this decision. When there are robust data on the dynamic of the toxicity for a given area, and provided that recent data on decreasing trends of toxicity are available, the competent authority may decide to re-open the area with results below the regulatory limit obtained from one single sampling. U.K.

D. ADDITIONAL MONITORING REQUIREMENTS U.K.

1. The competent authority is to monitor classified production areas from which it has forbidden the harvesting of bivalve molluscs or subjected harvesting to special conditions, to ensure that products harmful to human health are not placed on the market. U.K.
2. In addition to the monitoring of relaying and production zones referred to in paragraph 1 of Part B, a control system must be set up comprising laboratory tests to verify food business operators' compliance with the requirements for the end product at all stages of production, processing and distribution. This control system is, in particular, to verify that the levels of marine biotoxins and contaminants do not exceed safety limits and that the microbiological quality of the molluscs does not constitute a hazard to human health. U.K.

E. RECORDING AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION U.K.

The competent authority must:

(a)

establish and keep up to date a list of approved production and relaying areas, with details of their location and boundaries, as well as the class in which the area is classified, from which live bivalve molluscs may be taken in accordance with the requirements of this Annex. This list must be communicated to interested parties affected by this Annex, such as producers, gatherers and operators of purification centres and dispatch centres;

(b)

immediately inform the interested parties affected by this Annex, such as producers, gatherers and operators of purification centres and dispatch centres, about any change of the location, boundaries or class of a production area, or its closure, be it temporary or final;

and

(c)

act promptly where the controls prescribed in this Annex indicate that a production area must be closed or reclassified or can be re-opened.

F. FOOD BUSINESS OPERATORS' OWN CHECKS U.K.

To decide on the classification, opening or closure of production areas, the competent authority may take into account the results of controls that food business operators or organisations representing food business operators have carried out. In that event, the competent authority must have designated the laboratory carrying out the analysis and, if necessary, sampling and analysis must have taken place in accordance with a protocol that the competent authority and the food business operators or organisation concerned have agreed.

[F10CHAPTER III: U.K. OFFICIAL CONTROLS CONCERNING PECTINIDAE AND LIVE MARINE GASTROPODS NOT FILTER FEEDERS HARVESTED OUTSIDE CLASSIFIED PRODUCTION AREAS

Official controls on pectinidae and live marine gastropods, which are not filter feeders, harvested outside classified production areas are to be carried out in fish auctions, dispatch centres and processing establishments.

Such official controls are to verify compliance with the health standards for live bivalve molluscs laid down in Annex III, Section VII, Chapter V, to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 as well as compliance with other requirements of Annex III, Section VII, Chapter IX to that Regulation.]

Textual Amendments

ANNEX III U.K. FISHERY PRODUCTS

CHAPTER I: U.K. OFFICIAL CONTROLS OF PRODUCTION AND PLACING ON THE MARKET

1. Official controls on the production and placing on the market of fishery products are to include, in particular: U.K.

(a)

a regular check on the hygiene conditions of landing and first sale;

(b)

inspections at regular intervals of vessels and establishments on land, including fish auctions and wholesale markets, to check, in particular:

(i)

where appropriate, whether the conditions for approval are still fulfilled,

(ii)

whether the fishery products are handled correctly,

(iii)

for compliance with hygiene and temperature requirements,

and

(iv)

the cleanliness of establishments, including vessels, and their facilities and equipment, and staff hygiene;

and

(c)

checks on storage and transport conditions.

2. However, subject to paragraph 3, official controls of vessels: U.K.

(a)

may be carried out when vessels call at a port in a Member State;

(b)

concern all vessels landing fishery products at ports in the Community, irrespective of flag;

and

(c)

may, if necessary, when the competent authority of the Member State the flag of which the vessel is flying carries out the official control, be carried out while the vessel is at sea or when it is in a port in another Member State or in a third country.

3.

(a)

In the case of an inspection of a factory or freezer vessel flying the flag of a Member State carried out with a view to the approval of the vessel, the competent authority of the Member State the flag of which the vessel is flying is to carry out inspections in such a manner as to comply with the requirements of Article 3, particularly the time limits of Article 3(2). If necessary, that competent authority may inspect the vessel while it is at sea or when it is in a port in another Member State or in a third country.

(b)

When the competent authority of the Member State the flag of which the vessel is flying has granted the vessel conditional approval in accordance with Article 3, that competent authority may authorise a competent authority of:

(i)

another Member State,

or

(ii)

a third country that appears on a list of third countries from which imports of fishery products are permitted drawn up in accordance with Article 11, to carry out a follow-up inspection with a view to granting full approval or prolonging conditional approval in accordance with Article 3(1)(b) or to keeping approval under review in accordance with Article 3(4). If necessary, that competent authority may inspect the vessel while it is at sea or when it is in a port in another Member State or in a third country.

4. When the competent authority of a Member State authorises the competent authority of another Member State or of a third country to carry out inspections on its behalf in accordance with paragraph 3, the two competent authorities are to agree on the conditions governing such inspections. These conditions are to ensure, in particular, that the competent authority of the Member State the flag of which the vessel is flying receives reports on the results of inspections and on any suspected non-compliance without delay, so as to enable it to take the necessary measures. U.K.

CHAPTER II: U.K. OFFICIAL CONTROLS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS

Official controls of fishery products are to include at least the following elements.

A. ORGANOLEPTIC EXAMINATIONS U.K.

Random organoleptic checks must be carried out at all stages of production, processing and distribution. One aim of these checks is to verify compliance with the freshness criteria established in accordance with Community legislation. In particular, this includes verifying, at all stages of production, processing and distribution, that fishery products at least exceed the baselines of freshness criteria established in accordance with Community legislation.

B. FRESHNESS INDICATORS U.K.

When the organoleptic examination reveals any doubt as to the freshness of the fishery products, samples may be taken and subjected to laboratory tests to determine the levels of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N).

The competent authority is to use the criteria laid down under Community legislation.

When the organoleptic examination gives cause to suspect the presence of other conditions which may affect human health, appropriate samples are to be taken for verification purposes.

C. HISTAMINE U.K.

Random testing for histamine is to be carried out to verify compliance with the permitted levels laid down under Community legislation.

D. RESIDUES AND CONTAMINANTS U.K.

Monitoring arrangements are to be set up to control the levels of residues and contaminants in accordance with Community legislation.

E. MICROBIOLOGICAL CHECKS U.K.

Where necessary, microbiological checks are to be performed in accordance with the relevant rules and criteria laid down under Community legislation.

F. PARASITES U.K.

Random testing is to take place to verify compliance with Community legislation on parasites.

[F4G. POISONOUS FISHERY PRODUCTS U.K.

Checks are to take place to ensure that:

1.

fishery products derived from poisonous fish of the following families are not placed on the market: Tetraodontidae, Molidae, Diodontidae and Canthigasteridae ;

2.

fresh, prepared, frozen and processed fishery products belonging to the family Gempylidae , in particular Ruvettus pretiosus and Lepidocybium flavobrunneum , may only be placed on the market in wrapped/packaged form and must be appropriately labelled to provide information to the consumer on preparation/cooking methods and on the risk related to the presence of substances with adverse gastrointestinal effects. The scientific names of the fishery products and the common names must appear on the label;

3.

fishery products containing biotoxins such as ciguatera or other toxins dangerous to human health are not placed on the market. However, fishery products derived from bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods may be placed on the market if they have been produced in accordance with Section VII of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 and comply with the standards laid down in Chapter V, point 2, of that Section.]

CHAPTER III: U.K. DECISIONS AFTER CONTROLS

Fishery products are to be declared unfit for human consumption if:

1.

organoleptic, chemical, physical or microbiological checks or checks for parasites have shown that they are not in compliance with the relevant Community legislation;

2.

they contain in their edible parts contaminants or residues in excess of the limits laid down in Community legislation or at levels where the calculated dietary intake would exceed the acceptable daily or weekly intake for humans;

3.

they derive from:

(i)

poisonous fish,

(ii)

fishery products not complying with the requirement of part G, point 2, of Chapter II concerning biotoxins,

or

(iii)

bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates or marine gastropods containing marine biotoxins in total quantities exceeding the limits referred to in Regulation (EC) No 853/2004;

or

4.

the competent authority considers that they may constitute a risk to public or animal health or are for any other reason not suitable for human consumption.

[F7ANNEX IV U.K. RAW MILK, COLOSTRUM, DAIRY PRODUCTS AND COLOSTRUM BASED PRODUCTS

CHAPTER I: U.K. CONTROL OF MILK AND COLOSTRUM PRODUCTION HOLDINGS

1. Animals on milk and colostrum production holdings must be subject to official controls to verify that the health requirements for raw milk and colostrum production, and in particular the health status of the animals and the use of veterinary medicinal products, are being complied with. U.K.

These controls may take place at the occasion of veterinary checks carried out pursuant to Community provisions on animal or public health or animal welfare and may be carried out by an approved veterinarian.

2. If there are grounds for suspecting that the animal health requirements are not being complied with, the general health status of the animals is to be checked. U.K.

3. Milk and colostrum production holdings are to undergo official controls to verify that hygiene requirements are being complied with. These official controls may involve inspections and/or the monitoring of controls that professional organisations carry out. If it is shown that the hygiene is inadequate, the competent authority is to verify that appropriate steps are taken to correct the situation. U.K.

CHAPTER II: U.K. CONTROL OF RAW MILK AND COLOSTRUM UPON COLLECTION

1. In the case of raw milk and colostrum, the competent authority is to monitor the checks carried out in accordance with Annex III, Section IX, Chapter I, Part III to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004. U.K.

2. If the food business operator has not corrected the situation within three months of first notifying the competent authority of non-compliance with the criteria with regard to plate count and/or somatic cell count, delivery of raw milk and colostrum from the production holding is to be suspended or — in accordance with a specific authorisation of, or general instructions from, the competent authority — subjected to requirements concerning its treatment and use necessary to protect public health. This suspension or these requirements are to remain in place until the food business operator has proved that the raw milk and colostrum again complies with the criteria.] U.K.

ANNEX V U.K. ESTABLISHMENTS NOT SUBJECT TO THE LISTING REQUIREMENT OF ARTICLE 12(1)

The following third-country establishments need not appear on lists drawn up and updated in accordance with Article 12(4):

1.

establishments handling products of animal origin for which Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 does not lay down requirements;

2.

establishments carrying out only primary production;

3.

establishments carrying out only transport operations;

4.

establishments carrying out only the storage of products of animal origin not requiring temperature-controlled storage conditions.

ANNEX VI U.K. REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATES ACCOMPANYING IMPORTS

1.

The representative of the competent authority of the third country of dispatch issuing a certificate to accompany a consignment of products of animal origin destined for the Community must sign the certificate and ensure that it bears an official stamp. This requirement applies to each sheet of the certificate if it consists of more than one. In the case of factory vessels, the competent authority may authorise the captain or another ship's officer to sign the certificate.

2.

[F7Certificates must be drawn up at least in the official language or languages of the Member State of destination and those of the Member State in which the border inspection takes place, or be accompanied by a certified translation into that language or languages. However, a Member State may consent to the use of an official Community language other than its own.]

3.

The original version of the certificate must accompany consignments on entry into the Community.

4.

Certificates must consist of:

(a)

a single sheet of paper;

or

(b)

two or more pages that are part of an integrated and indivisible sheet of paper;

or

(c)

a sequence of pages numbered so as to indicate that it is a particular page in a finite sequence (for example, ‘ page 2 of four pages ’ ).

5.

Certificates must bear a unique identifying number. Where the certificate consists of a sequence of pages, each page must indicate this number.

6.

The certificate must be issued before the consignment to which it relates leaves the control of the competent authority of the third country of dispatch.]

(1)

[X1 OJ L 147, 31.5.2001, p. 1 . Regulation as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2245/2003 ( OJ L 333, 20.12.2003, p. 28 ).

(2)

OJ L 125, 23.5.1996, p. 10 . Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 806/2003 ( OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1 ).

(5)

OJ L 77, 16.3.2001, p. 1 . Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 655/2004 ( OJ L 104, 8.4.2004, p. 48 ).]

Editorial Information

Textual Amendments