EU inspectors to verify progress in veterinary standards
James Debono European Commission officials will be inspecting agricultural and veterinary establishments to verify progress over an inspection held in 2007, which exposed serious hygiene deficiencies and lack of enforcement in Malta.
“The mission intends to assess the action taken by the Maltese competent authorities in response to recommendations made by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) in its reports on previous missions dealing with the same topic,” a Commission spokesperson told MaltaToday.
In a report issued two years ago, the FVO denounced a number deficiencies in hygiene requirements in the red meat slaughterhouse. “There were insects in the slaughter hall and two cats in the dispatch area and corridors due to the existence of holes in the walls,” the report claimed.
Other deficiencies were found in the four largest rabbit slaughterhouses as well as among on farm cheese producers which were not subject to adequate controls.
It also found that animal by-products were disposed in ways which are not permitted, and that basic requirements like the removal of vertebral columns in specifically authorised butchers were not carried out at that time. It also denounced that animal by-products were land-filled or buried without pre-processing.
Following the 2007 inspection, the Maltese authorities embarked on follow-up action with €2 million invested to improve standards in the abattoir. A collection programme for vertebral columns was also set up.
FVO inspections normally include on-the-spot visits to verify the application of controls which are in practice. The purpose of inspections carried by the FVO is not to establish compliance in individual establishments but to verify whether the control systems are working.
The FVO will form part of John Dalli’s Health and Consumer Affairs Portfolio in the European Commission.
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