Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group (Pooley Group)

In September 1999, MAFF and the National Farmers Union set up a joint review of the regulatory burdens on the meat industry, including slaughterhouse regulation and meat hygiene rules and the work of the Meat Hygiene Service. The Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group, chaired by Robin Pooley, reported in December 1999 and made 35 recommendations. The Government's response was published on 2 February 2000.

Of the 35 recommendations, 28 were accepted, 4 required further consideration and 3 were rejected. Of the recommendations 29 were for the Food Standards Agency (established in April 2000) to take forward, but 1 was subsequently transferred by agreement to Defra.

The Prime Minister announced the Action Plan for Farming on 30 March 2000. It contained 62 measures to support and develop the Government's long-term agriculture strategy. It seeks, among other things, to meet consumer safety objectives with the minimum administrative and cost burden, regulating only when necessary. The (accepted) Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group recommendations are included in the Action Plan.

Of the 28 recommendations for the FSA, 6 required European Union approval and, since 2001, were considered as part of EU negotiations on simplification and consolidation of food hygiene legislation. New EU food hygiene legislation was adopted in April 2004. This brings the number of Agency recommendations completed to 26. Action on the remaining 2 recommendations (involving research and long-term decisions on policy options) is ongoing.

As a result, it has been decided to publish this final progress report on the implementation of the recommendations of the Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group.