Food Standards Agency announces new plan for UK poultry

Eurofood, Sept 27, 2001

A package of measures to tighten the laws preventing unfit poultry meat entering the human food chain has been announced by the British government's Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The action plan was considered by the FSA Board at an open meeting in Belfast on 19th Wednesday September.

The action follows several recent investigations into the illegal diversion of unfit poultry meat into the food chain. In December 2000 seven people were convicted at Hull Crown Court of conspiracy to defraud by selling meat for human consumption when it was destined for pet food.

The case involved more than 1 000 tonnes of poultry by-products. In March 2001, a joint investigation by Amber Valley Council, the police and the FSA led to the seizure of 20 tonnes of unfit poultry meat.

The seven point plan proposes: Introducing a requirement to stain `high risk' unfit poultry meat -- bringing it into line with requirements for red meat. Extending staining to cover licensed cold stores and cutting plants. A commitment to improve traceability and quality assurance within supply chains in the catering sector, particularly in hospitals and schools. Working with the meat industry to develop a Code of Practice on the handling and disposal of animal by -- products and independent auditing of their activities.

Considering what controls are necessary on food brokers who trade in food but may not know the source of the products they are trading in. In addition, the Agency is proposing to set up a Waste Food Task Force to examine what further measures may be needed to control the annual disposal of 754,000 tonnes of poultry waste. In particular, the Task Force would examine the role of food brokers dealing in poultry meat.

Agency Chairman Sir John Krebbs said: "It has become apparent since the recent case in Rotherham, northern England, and subsequent investigation in Amber Valley, that current controls are not adequately protecting consumers from unfit meat entering the human food chain.

"There are already strict controls in place, but these need to be tightened and loopholes need to be closed.

"In addition to changes in the law we want to work with industry on ways to improve traceability throughout the food chain. The FSA Board will consider these proposals very carefully to ensure that the consumer is protected as far as possible from this illegal trade."

The consultation which led to this action plan considered a number of options -- staining high risk poultry by-products; staining both high risk and low risk poultry by-products.