Defra publishes guidelines for CCTV in slaughterhouses
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published a guidance document which outlines specific guidelines for CCTV usage within slaughterhouses.
Defra has published a guidance document for CCTV usage in slaughterhouses.
The document, titled Guidance on the Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses (England) Regulations 2018, states that all English slaughterhouses must “install and be operating a CCTV system that meets the needs of the CCTV Regulations by 5th November 2018”.
The regulations will be applied in two parts. The first, enabled today (4th May) is to install and operate the CCTV System and to keep the information captures. The second part will come into play on 5th November 2018 which involves the inspection of data captured.
Guidelines state that CCTV cameras must be placed in a complete and clear view of all areas where there are live animals.
Abattoirs are also requested to fix any CCTV system that breaks as soon as possible and the document states that failure to do so may result in an enforcement notice being issued.
The guidance document also highlights offences, which include: failure to keep CCTV systems operational and in good working order when live animals are presents; failure to retain and store data, recordings or images for 90 days from the date of capture; and failure of staff not complying with an enforcement notice.
If found guilty of any offences, the person or people in question may be required to pay a fine on conviction, which can be unlimited.
The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has reacted to the guidance documents, commenting: “BMPA is glad that Defra has created a level playing field on CCTV across the meat processing industry and also welcomes the six month implementation period. We have always maintained that CCTV is a useful additional tool that can be used by both industry and OVs along with the many other means to safeguard animal welfare.”
Full guidelines can be read in Defra’s guidance document here.
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