1.By way of derogation from Article 18(2)(a) and (b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, the competent authority may allow ante-mortem inspections on animals intended for slaughter to be performed at the holding of provenance in accordance with the criteria and conditions laid down in paragraph 2 and Article 6.
2.The following criteria and conditions shall be applied for all species:
(a)checks on records or documentation at the holding of provenance, including verification of the food chain information, shall be carried out;
(b)individual examination of the animals shall be facilitated by the food business operator if required;
(c)ante-mortem inspections at the holding of provenance shall comprise a physical examination of the animals to determine whether:
they have a disease or condition which may be transmitted to animals or humans through handling or consuming the meat of such animals, or whether they are behaving, individually or collectively, in a manner indicating that such a disease has occurred;
they show general behavioural disturbance, signs of disease or abnormalities which may make the meat of such animals unfit for human consumption;
there is evidence or reason to suspect that the animals may contain chemical residues in excess of the levels laid down in [F1legislation in force in the relevant constituent territory of Great Britain], or residues of forbidden substances;
they show signs indicating problems related to animal welfare, including excessive dirtiness;
they are fit for transport.
(d)the checks and ante-mortem inspection at the holding of provenance referred to in (a), (b) and (c) shall be carried out by an official veterinarian;
(e)the animals fit for slaughter shall be properly identified and separated from other animals and sent to the slaughterhouse directly from the holding of provenance;
(f)a health certificate as set out in Part I of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/628 shall be issued for animals fit for slaughter. The health certificate shall accompany the animals to the slaughterhouse or be sent in advance in any format. Any observations relevant for subsequent meat inspection shall be recorded in the health certificate.
3.At the slaughterhouse the following additional checks shall be carried out in accordance with Article 18(2)(a) and (b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and Article 3 of this Regulation:
(a)regular verification of the food business operators' obligation to ensure that the animals are identified properly;
(b)regular verification that animal welfare rules have been complied with during transport and at arrival in the slaughterhouse and whether there are signs of any condition which might adversely affect human or animal health.
4.In the event that the animals are not slaughtered within three days, or 28 days in cases referred to in Article 6(5), from the date of issue of the health certificate referred to in paragraph 2(f):
(a)where the animals have not been dispatched from the holding of provenance to the slaughterhouse, an additional ante-mortem inspection shall be carried out and a new health certificate shall be issued;
(b)where the animals are already on their way to or are at the slaughterhouse, the slaughter may be authorised as soon as the reason for the delay has been assessed, provided that the animals undergo an additional ante-mortem inspection in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627(1).
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Art. 5(2)(c)(iii) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Official Controls (Animals, Feed and Food, Plant Health etc.) (Amendment) (EU Exit) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1631), regs. 1(2), 13(5) (with regs. 33-36)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627 of 15 March 2019 laying down uniform practical arrangements for the performance of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 2074/2005 as regards official controls (see page 51 of this Official Journal).