Call to clip cattle bellies at abattoir
Call to clip cattle bellies at abattoir
ABATTOIRS should be responsible for clipping cattle bellies before slaughter, and not farmers, says the National Beef Council.
It warns that attitudes towards prime cattle with dirty hides must be revised before more producers are injured cleaning animals sent for slaughter. It is urging MAFF and the Meat Hygiene Service to consider whether abattoirs should take more responsibility for clean carcasses, and whether bellies and briskets should be clipped by the abattoir.
This follows moves in Ireland where the head of the Food Safety Authority – which takes over responsibility for abattoir hygiene on Apr 1 – stated that slaughterers should take more responsibility for clean carcasses.
According to NBA board member John Bell, it wants abattoirs to play their part in reducing health risks to the public, and make life less dangerous for beef producers.
Clean and well bedded
"Abattoirs should still insist on being sent animals which are clean and have been well bedded, but also accept that they are better placed to prevent actual carcass contamination.
"It must be easier and safer for everyone, farmers and consumers alike, if slaughterers themselves clip the belly before skinning starts. If responsibility for clipping continues to be hoisted on farmers it will undoubtedly mean more will be injured, and could even result in a fatality," warns Mr Bell.
lSAC beef specialist Basil Lowman is urging all producers injured while clipping cattle to contact the HSE to report the incident. "This is the only way we can stop the risks from this practice. I am really worried that if the need to clip cattle on-farm continues there will be a fatality."
The HSE is hearing anecdotal evidence of a rise in injuries, but incidents must be reported before it can build up enough evidence to take action.
By law, serious injuries must be notified immediately to HSE, while those requiring more than three-days sick leave must be notified within 10 days of the incident. To report an incident, contact your local HSE office, or phone its information line on 0541-545500. *