Opinion on a proposal of modernization of pig meat inspection

The National Committee for Food Safety was asked to deliver an opinion the possible risks to consumers that could be posed by a modification of the European legislation on meat inspection following EFSA opinion n. 2351 of 9 October 2011, taking into account the particular livestock raising and meat production in Italy.
The working group established within the CNSA thoroughly analysed the Italian situation, also by means of data collection. This led to the identification of two main slaughtering patterns in Italy: high-capacity slaughter plants ( approximately 65-70%), mainly slaughtering “heavy pigs” raised in an integrated swine production system, and low/very low slaughter intensity plants, where various types of pigs are handled ( 30- 35% on the whole Italian production). The investigation also highlighted the difficulty in extrapolating and aggregating data concerning the food chain (health hazards linked with the herd of origin, transport and so on) and the outcome of ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection.
Finally, considering the data available, the Committee states that it is not possible to assess the impact that a modification of the European legislation on meat inspection would have on consumers’ protection and suggested that the Ministry of Health launch pilot programs to gather the data necessary to justify and guide Italy’s position in the debate that will be held at European level. In addition, the Directorate General of Animal Health and Veterinary Medicinal Products is invited to asses any potential critical points that any amendment to the current legislation may entail for animal health and welfare.