§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether distribution and transit depots handling packaged meat fall under the category of cold stores as defined in the draft Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992; and what requirements these depots will have to meet.
§ Mr. GummerYes. Distribution and transit depots handling and storing packaged meat fall under the category of cold stores as defined in the draft Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992. Such premises will, therefore, have to comply with the requirements applicable to cold stores laid down in those regulations in order to operate in the single market. The extent to which individual requirements of the draft regulations apply will depend on the operations carried out at each premises. Businesses can obtain advice from their local MAFF animal health office.