April 4, 2008

Dutch pig producers in traceability dilemma

Dutch pig producers are in a dilemma as German slaughterhouses want Dutch pigs to have traceability marks but the practise of marking animals is outlawed in the Netherlands. 
 

Just last week, two Dutch exporters were brought to court as their pigs had traceability markings. The pigs were bound for Germany.

They weren't the only ones, however, as a number of Dutch pig exporters have had trouble with the law over traceability markings.

Piet Thijsse, chairman of the Dutch Livestock Trade Board, has requested the government to come to a compromise on the issue.

Traceability markings would remain on the pig's carcass, making it easy to identify and trace the meat's origin should anything go wrong.