UK launches consultation on livestock carcass classification

DEFRA has launched a public consultation on the implementation of new European legislation regarding the classification of beef cattle, pigs and sheep carcasses and price reporting. 

The European Commission has recently consolidated legislation governing agricultural commodity markets into a single common organisation of the markets. In the meat sector this now incorporates three earlier regulations setting rules on the classification of and price reporting on beef, sheep and pig carcasses.

Most of the new EU implementing legislation does not represent any significant change except in the way beef carcasses may be presented on the slaughter line for classification and pricing whereby an agreed UK specification is now legally recognised.

EU beef and pig classification and deadweight price reporting continue to be compulsory for member states.

The impact on the livestock sector of the proposed regulations is expected to be small. Those affected are operators of approved slaughterhouses killing adult bovine animals and pigs, classifiers of bovine animals and pigs, and beef and pig farmers.