Export slaughterhouse Gosschalk in Epe can start slaughtering again tomorrow (August 31), but with the necessary restrictions. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is lifting the suspension. The slaughterhouse remains under strict surveillance.
This means that Gosschalk has not been able to slaughter for almost 2 months. From tomorrow, the company may only supply animals under the supervision of the NVWA. In addition, camera surveillance has been significantly expanded and the slaughter speed is set in such a way that animal welfare, food safety and working conditions are guaranteed. In addition, the NVWA carries out additional checks on all business activities, according to the government inspection body.
Multiple plans rejected
The NVWA has suspended Gosschalk's slaughterhouse accreditation as of 3 July in response to undercover footage of animal abuse. Company lost large customers as a result. According to the NVWA, in order to be allowed to slaughter again, the company had to come up with a thorough plan of action, in which compliance with animal welfare legislation is guaranteed. This took some effort, because several of Gosschalk's plans are reportedly rejected by the NVWA.
According to the NVWA, the latest plan of action for the slaughterhouse offers sufficient guarantees for compliance with animal welfare legislation in the company. If in practice it appears that the slaughterhouse does not comply with what has been promised and intended in the action plan, the NVWA will take further measures and, if necessary, suspend the accreditation again.
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