Pig processors no longer required to test for trichinella

Pork processors exporting to the USA will no longer have to test for the roundworm trichinella, under certain conditions, following an agreement with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Finished pigs from controlled housing destined to be exported to the US frozen, no longer need to be tested for trichinella.

However, finished pigs from ‘uncontrolled’ housing, together with boars and sows still need to be tested.

The move should help save processors money, said Emma Bailey-Beech, Food Safety Project Manager at AHDB Pork. 

She added: “The testing can be very expensive for the larger processors involved in exporting to the USA.

“The Food Standards Agency has publicised this change but some of abattoirs are still not aware of it. This could mean big savings for them.”

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However, Ms Bailey-Beech said some abattoirs may choose to continue testing and develop outlets for the more profitable ‘fresh chilled’ pig meat sector in the USA.

There is also a newly approved trichinella test that removes the need for pepsin powder or hydrochloric acid, both of which require careful handling.

The new system Prio trichinella AAD Kit has been listed in EC Reg 2075/2005 and is now available.

Before any change in testing is implemented, updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be provided to the official veterinarian at the plant.

This might include farms’ eligibility, age of animals at slaughter, FCI information assurances, laboratory testing details, accreditation and standards.