§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidelines he has issued since 14 December 1995 concerning the effect on dressing hygiene of the slaughter of dirty stock in abattoirs. [19574]
§ Mrs. Browning[holding answer 10 March 1997]: Detailed guidelines on dressing procedures to prevent the outside of the hide from contaminating the carcase are contained in the "Meat Hygiene Service Operations Manual", issued in April 1995. This guidance was 271W reinforced in letters issued by the Meat Hygiene Service to all official veterinary surgeons and meat hygiene inspectors on 18 December 1996 and 17 February 1997. Any premises in which improvements are needed are followed up on an individual basis by Meat Hygiene Service staff with the operator concerned. The manual also contains guidance on the steps to be taken to ensure the cleanliness of animals presented for slaughter. The Meat Hygiene Service is at present preparing enhanced guidance on the standards expected and how to achieve them. This will be issued later this month.