The Environment Secretary Michael Gove has confirmed that CCTV recording will become mandatory in all slaughterhouses in England next year, following a consultation that was launched in August.
Legislation will be introduced in the new year, coming into force in the spring.
All slaughterhouses will be required to comply, following an adjustment period of up to six months.
Defra announced the new legislation, noting that the plans will be put forward after an “extremely positive reaction from the industry, welfare groups and the public”.
A summary of responses published on Sunday 12th November has demonstrated that of almost 4,000 respondents, more than 99% were supportive of the plans.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and want to cement our status as a global leader by continuing to raise the bar.
“The reaction to this consultation highlights the strength of feeling among the public that all animals should be treated with the utmost respect at all stages of life and be subject to the highest possible welfare standards. These strong measures also provide a further demonstration to consumers around the world that as we leave the EU we continue to produce our food to the very highest standards.”
Heather Hancock, chairman of the Food Standards Agency, said: “The Secretary of State’s decision to require CCTV in all slaughterhouses is a welcome step towards ensuring that animal welfare and hygiene standards are met across the meat industry.
“Last year, the FSA Board concluded that, without mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses, we would see minimal further progress in businesses improving animal welfare or complying with official controls to protect public health.”
The RSPCA’s head of public affairs, David Bowles, said: “This is a very welcome and crucial step towards introducing higher welfare right across the food chain.
“We applaud the Secretary of State for his steadfast and focused commitment to ensuring the highest possible animal welfare standards in the UK once we have left the EU.”
British Veterinary Association senior vice president, Gudrun Ravetz, said: “The mandatory installation of CCTV is a vital tool to ensure high standards of animal health, welfare and food safety in all slaughterhouses.
“Official Veterinarians carry out an essential role in slaughterhouses by independently assessing and reporting breaches of animal welfare, and unrestricted access to CCTV footage will allow them to carry out this role even more effectively.”
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
