§ 20. Mr. CorbettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report progress on implementing a new system of meat inspection. [107901]
§ Ms QuinThe Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group recommended in its report published on 13 December 1999 that the current meat inspection rules be replaced by a risk-based system of checks applying Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles. We have accepted this recommendation, but a new meat inspection system to replace existing controls will entail changes to EU legislation. We strongly support the Commission's initiatives to review and modernise meat hygiene controls and will be pressing for early progress.