Tropical days challenge for slaughterhouses

Due to the tropical temperatures, the heat protocol of the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) in force. Slaughterhouses sometimes apply additional measures.

Less slaughter
For example, pigs are delivered to Vion's locations in Groenlo and Apeldoorn until a maximum of 13 p.m. A spokesperson said that the time limits at these locations do not differ much from normal circumstances. This is different at the location in Boxtel. Delivery there is usually also in the afternoon. These days no deliveries take place there between 00:15 PM and 00:18 PM. Although Vion says it is doing everything it can to avoid disrupting the planning, it cannot be prevented that there will be less slaughter on a day like today.

Deviating from the planning is quite a challenge for the large slaughterhouses. These companies often operate multiple shifts per day and have organized the supply and staffing accordingly. The smaller slaughterhouses can usually do the planning adjust more easily. However, the supply is declining due to the slowdown in growth of fattening pigs. 

Planning is also a challenge for traders and transporters. Livestock transport is prohibited above 35 degrees Celsius. The NVWA monitors this and can issue fines. The authority also monitors how the pigs come off the wagon. Reducing the numbers per vehicle is not a requirement, but can be beneficial to animal welfare during hot days. It is the responsibility of the carrier to deal with this.

Temporary cooling
During the weekend, temperatures in the Netherlands will temporarily drop, according to expectations. After that, it will become warmer again, although the mercury is not expected to rise much above 30 degrees Celsius again. Agencies such as the NVWA, COV and Livestock & Logistics have regular consultations to discuss the circumstances and coordinate positions, spokespersons say.