A path towards modernisation of meat safety assurance in European abattoirs

Abstract

Carcass meat safety mainly relies on official meat inspection and abattoir process hygiene. The deficiencies of the traditional meat safety system are well known. The European Food Safety Authority has proposed a modern, risk-based meat safety assurance system. The process of implementation of the new system in Europe is in the initial phase and is associated with legislation changes. Several challenges are experienced in the implementation process so far and future challenges are anticipated. Further modernisation of the meat safety assurance system and its full practical implementation need to go in tandem with intensive research and training.