M01031: Effective communication of animal health information through the supply chain for animals entering the slaughtering process
Friday 9 January 2004
This study was carried out to review existing data capture systems for recording health, welfare, food safety and quality information for use in British pig abattoirs. The Project Team, consisting of representatives from the Meat and Livestock Commission, the British Pig Executive, abattoirs, a data capture system specialist and an academic veterinarian, short-listed four companies.
Background
Proposed EU legislation will require the results of anti- and post-mortem meat inspections to be recorded and evaluated by the Official Veterinarian. Various electronic systems are in use in Europe and the rest of the world, and the Agency requires a review of these systems against criteria developed to meet UK data collection requirements.
Research Approach
Existing data capture systems will be evaluated using agreed criteria. Up to three systems will be selected for detailed evaluation and recommendations made at a workshop for a system that most closely meets the criteria.
Results and findings
The Project Team’s main findings were that:
- 34 commercially available data capture systems are available world-wide and throughout Europe, although not all have been developed specifically for use in abattoirs.
- Within the red meat sector, electronic data capture of ante- and post-mortem veterinary inspections in other EU countries is more widespread; however no state operated systems were identified.
- A number of companies that developed data capture systems did not wish to operate in the United Kingdom for a variety of reasons.
- From the four short-listed companies considered, two data capture systems were recommended for use in red meat abattoirs for the purpose of recording ante and post-mortem veterinary information.
A workshop attended by stakeholders was organised in May 2004 to present and discuss the findings of the project.
Dissemination information
The final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: InfoCentre@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk)