November 21, 2007

UK slaughterhouses to shoulder increase in inspection charges

UK slaughterhouses will soon face an 8 percent increase in hygiene inspection charges, as proposed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The FSA said an increase of 8 percent would spell maximum additional charge to a slaughterhouse of US$29.13 per 100 cows, US$15 per 100 pigs, and US$5.83 per 100 sheep.

The UK government currently subsidises the costs of official hygiene inspections by about US$61 million a year, about 60 percent of the cost of controls.

The new proposals would increase charges to businesses by approximately US$3 million in 2008 and 2009.

FSA explained that the new charges would represent a step towards increasing the level of charges for official controls at approved premises -- slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game plants -- towards full cost recovery.

Meanwhile, action is being taken by the Meat Hygiene Service to reduce the overall cost of those controls.

The move is in line with EU's policy to charge industry for food safety regulatory services. Member states are beginning to implement this policy.