EU raise bars on food safety standards

European regulations previously applicable only to pigs and calves are now imposed on all cattle, sheep and goats processed, effective January 1, 2010.

Changes have been made to the Food Chain Information (FCI) regulations, with health and sanitary information now required for all the animals. Relevant information must be recorded throughout every stage of the animal's production chain, including medicines and treatments given to the animal. This regulation will apply to all animals sold through livestock markets or sold directly to processors.

Official EU veterinarians can use FCI information passed from producers to meatpackers to make decisions on processing and inspecting procedures.