No entry for dirty trucks at abattoirs

By FWi staff

FARMERS should be warned against taking stock to abattoirs in dirty vehicles as they might jeopardise future livestock sales.

Staffordshire butcher Peter Coates says that he is starting to become “picky” about clients, based on whether they arrive at his abattoir in a clean or dirty vehicle.

Under present rules due to foot-and-mouth disease all vehicles have to be cleaned and disinfected when they leave an abattoir, but this does not mean that vehicles must be spotless when they arrive.

Mr Coates says: “I do not charge farmers to wash out. However, they continually arrive on my premises with a filthy Land Rover pulling a clean trailer.”

The state veterinary service insists that both vehicles are cleaned, says Mr Coates.

“It has long been a farmers trade mark that the busiest farmer carries the most mud on his transport.”

Any farmers that do not heed Mr Coates advice might fall foul of his new policy. “If I know the farm is dirty I dont buy its livestock,” he says.

“My customers expect me to maintain high standards for quality and cleanliness and would expect my suppliers to do likewise.”

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