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Schouten tackles abuses in slaughterhouses
The research that Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) had carried out into the abuses in small and medium-sized slaughterhouses in the Northern Netherlands, shows that action is not being taken on an equal footing. "The report provides a penetrating picture and shows the seriousness of the problem," writes Schouten.
The study, which was conducted by research agency 2Solve, shows that the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) does not assess the slaughterworthiness and transportworthiness of small and medium-sized slaughterhouses in the north of the Netherlands in the same way. In addition, insufficient enforcement action is taken when necessary. According to the minister, most of the problems are due to a staff shortage at the NVWA.
In addition to writing the researchers that supervising veterinarians handle the standards for transportworthiness and slaughterworthiness differently. "There are not only differences of interpretation about these standards, but also huge differences in the willingness to uphold these standards," the report said. It is also shown that the way in which the NVWA handles reports and signals about abuses in the sector at various levels is insufficient; for example, some reports are not handled properly.
'Serious matter'
Minister Schouten calls the findings of the investigation serious. "This report makes clear what is lacking. Supervision of the links of the production chain that are ultimately supplied to these slaughterhouses and the supervision of the export of these animals must be better," she reports in the Letter to Parliament from Thursday evening September 12. "That is why I am going to talk to the NVWA about how it will aim for consistent enforcement."
Schouten will also implement further measures to improve inspection and enforcement at the small and medium-sized slaughterhouses in the north of the Netherlands. "Strong measures will be taken against employees who systematically evade their responsibilities," said the minister. From this moment on, duo inspections will also be carried out by employees of the 'Inspection' and 'Enforcement' directorates, and a joint enforcement process will be carried out for exports from a number of collection centers.
"The NVWA has also indicated that it wants to significantly shorten the lead time for imposing sanctions," writes Schouten. "It is therefore imperative that the veterinarians have sufficient time to report findings immediately and concretely." This is also the reason that the NVWA is already actively recruiting the number of veterinarians.
'Livestock farmers also play a role'
Schouten emphasizes that the implementation of measures within the NVWA is not the only solution. "A behavioral change must also take place among various livestock farmers," she writes. "For example, I find it unacceptable that there are farmers and traders who (for economic gain) provide wrecked animals with paracetamol and then put them on transport."
Schouten also cranks up the subject camera surveillance back on. She wants the small and medium-sized slaughterhouses to install cameras, among other things to support the supervising veterinarians in their work. She also mentions that camera surveillance will be introduced at the expense of the slaughterhouse. Those who do not want to or do not cooperate receive permanent supervision from an inspection veterinarian. "That costs money and the sector will pay for itself."
Minister Schouten is one of the speakers at the National Economic Agricultural Congress of Boerenbusiness. Click here for the program and tickets.
Kimberly Baker
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