EU inspectors to make random EID visits

EU inspectors will conduct a two-week fact finding mission on the implementation of EID in late March which will include random visits to farms.

The so-called ‘FVO mission’ will arrive on 27 March and spend the first week in Scotland and Northern Ireland and the second week in England and Wales.

Their visit will include random farm visits combined with inspections at livestock markets and abattoirs.

The National Sheep Association said local authorities will also be looked at and the systems and derogations that the UK currently has in place will come under close scrutiny.

This is to ensure that an acceptable level of traceability is in place in line with the regulations.

The NSA is hoping the visit will help pave the way to greater flexibility on the implementation of EID rules.