FSA small abattoir fee cut proposal divides industry

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has proposed giving the smallest abattoirs in England and Wales up to a 90% discount on official inspection charges, a move aimed at easing regulatory costs for small plants.

Under the plans, facilities processing up to 1,000 livestock units of red meat or 150,000 birds a year would qualify automatically for maximum support, while larger abattoirs would no longer be eligible.

The decision comes amid ongoing pressures on the sector, with the number of small abattoirs in England and Wales down to just 47.

See also: FSA to consult on revised small abattoir support system

However, the proposals have divided the industry.

The FSA says the changes reflect the vital role small plants play in supporting local supply chains, rare breeds, private kill services, and consumer choice.

“Smaller abattoirs can play a vital role in local communities and the wider food chain.

“And these proposals would give the smallest businesses the certainty of maximum support,” said James Cooper, the FSA’s deputy director of food policy.

Aims dismay

But trade bodies, including the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (Aims), warn that the wider charging system still risks heavily burdening medium and large operators.

Peter Hewson, veterinary director at Aims, said: “Small slaughterhouses will be protected under the FSA’s proposals from the exorbitant cost of FSA’s controls.

“But most of the industry will be severely affected, plants will close and animal welfare will be adversely affected as travel times increase.”

The FSA’s consultation, launched on 19 March, runs until 12 June, giving farmers, processors and abattoir operators the opportunity to comment before a final policy is confirmed.