Title and commencement

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Meat Inspection Regulations 1987, and shall come into force on 5th February 1988.

Interpretation

2.-(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires-

"animals" means bovine animals (including buffalo), swine, sheep, goats and solipeds;

"blood" means blood derived from an animal;

"carcase" means the body of a dead animal;

"examine in detail" means examine by making multiple deep incisions;

"inspector" means a person authorised or deemed to be authorised under the Food Act 1984 to act in relation to the examination and seizure of meat;

"local authority" means-

"offal" means any part of a dead animal removed from the carcase in the process of dressing it, but does not include the hide or skin;

"slaughterhouse" means a place for slaughtering animals, the flesh of which is intended for sale for human consumption, and includes any place available in connection therewith for the confinement of animals while awaiting slaughter there or for keeping, or subjecting to any treatment or process, products of the slaughtering of animals there, but does not include any place available in connection with a slaughterhouse and used solely for the manufacture of bacon, ham, sausage, meat pies or other manufactured meat products or for the storage of meat used in such manufacture.

(2) Except in so far as the context otherwise requires, any reference in these Regulations to a numbered regulation or Schedule shall be construed as a reference to the regulation or Schedule bearing that number in these Regulations.

(3) Nothing in these Regulations shall be construed as derogating from the provisions of the Animal Health Act 1981(2) or of any order made thereunder.

Duty of inspection

3. Subject to the provisions of this regulation, every local authority shall arrange for the inspection by an inspector in accordance with these Regulations of-

(a)the carcase of every animal slaughtered within their district for sale for human consumption not being a carcase which is removed from their district pursuant to the proviso to regulation 8(2);

(b)every carcase removed to a place within their district pursuant to the proviso to regulation 8(2).

Control of times of slaughter

4.-(1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, a local authority within whose district a private slaughterhouse is situated may-

(a)determine the days on which, and the hours in those days between which, animals may be slaughtered in that slaughterhouse; and

(b)vary the days and hours so determined.

(2) In determining, or varying, the times of slaughter at a slaughterhouse the local authority shall have regard to-

(a)the nature and extent of the business carried on at that slaughterhouse;

(b)the need to avoid demands on local authority manpower which are disproportionate to the size of the business conducted at that slaughterhouse;

(c)the need to secure adequate meat inspection for the purposes of these Regulations or the need to secure adequate meat inspection and supervision for the purposes of the Fresh Meat Export (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1987(3), as appropriate;

(d)the need to provide for continuous meat inspection for the purposes of these Regulations where this is necessary to maintain the flow of production and to avoid disruption of essential trade requirements;

(e)the fluctuating needs of the market; and

(f)the perishable nature of meat.

(3) Before determining or varying the times of slaughter at a slaughterhouse the local authority shall consult the occupier of that slaughterhouse and any other person who slaughters animals there with the occupier's consent.

(4) The local authority shall give written notice of any determination or variation of the times of slaughter at a slaughterhouse to the occupier of that slaughterhouse, and to any other person who has been consulted in accordance with paragraph (3) of this regulation.

(5) Any such determination or variation shall have effect at the expiration of one month beginning with the date of the said notice unless an objection is made under paragraph (6) of this regulation before the determination or variation to which it relates has come into effect.

(6) A person who has been given notice in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (4) of this regulation may make objection to the local authority in writing that in determining or varying the times of slaughter at a slaughterhouse the local authority have not had proper regard to the factors set out in paragraph (2) of this regulation or that due to a change of circumstance the local authority should vary in accordance with those factors the times of slaughter previously determined or varied by them, whereupon the local authority shall reconsider the determination or variation having regard to those factors.

(7) The local authority shall give written notice of any further determination or variation or, where there is none, of their decision to maintain their previous determination or variation to the occupier of the slaughterhouse concerned, and to any other person who slaughters animals there with the occupier's consent.

(8) Any such further determination or variation or any such decision shall not have effect before the expiration of 21 days beginning with the date of the said notice and, where an appeal is made to a Magistrates' Court under paragraph (9) of this regulation before the further determination or variation or decision to which it relates has come into effect, that further determination or variation or decision shall continue not to have effect until the expiration of fourteen days beginning with the date of the dismissal by the Magistrates' Court of that appeal.

(9) A person who has been given notice in accordance with paragraph (7) of this regulation may appeal to a Magistrates' Court on the ground that in determining or varying, or in refusing to vary, the times of slaughter at a slaughterhouse, the local authority have not had proper regard to the factors set out in paragraph (2) of this regulation.

(10) Subject to paragraph (11) of this regulation, no person shall slaughter or cause to be slaughtered without the previous consent of the local authority any animal in any slaughterhouse for which times of slaughter have for the time being been determined under this regulation at any time other than during the days and hours so determined.

(11) The provisions of paragraph (10) of this regulation shall not apply in relation to any animal whose immediate slaughter is necessary by reason of accidental injury, illness, exposure to infection or other emergency affecting that animal or by reason of the provisions of regulation 18 of the Slaughter of Animals (Prevention of Cruelty) Regulations 1958(4).

Notice of slaughter

5.-(1) Subject to the provisions of these Regulations, no person shall slaughter, or cause to be slaughtered, any animal for sale for human consumption unless he has not less than 24 hours before the time of slaughter informed the local authority within whose district the place of slaughter is situated of the day and time and of the place on and at which the slaughter will take place:

Provided that-

(a)where it is the regular practice in any slaughterhouse to slaughter animals at fixed times on fixed days and written notice of this practice has been given to the local authority this shall as respects any animal slaughtered in accordance with such practice be regarded as adequate compliance with the foregoing requirement if and so long as the local authority give their approval;

(b)where by reason of accidental injury, illness, exposure to infection or other emergency affecting that animal or by reason of the provisions of regulation 18 of the Slaughter of Animals (Prevention of Cruelty) Regulations 1958, it is necessary that an animal should be slaughtered without delay, the provisions of this regulation shall be deemed to be satisfied if the local authority is informed of the slaughter as soon as reasonably possible, whether before or after the slaughter takes place.

(2) This regulation shall not apply in any case where an animal is slaughtered in a slaughterhouse under the management of a local authority or a joint board constituted under the Public Health Act 1936(5).

Dressing of carcases

6.-(1) Every person who slaughters, or causes to be slaughtered, in a slaughterhouse any animal for sale for human consumption shall ensure that the carcase is dressed immediately after the animal has been slaughtered and that the provisions of paragraph (2) of this regulation are complied with.

(2) The carcase shall be dressed and treated in such a manner as not to prevent or hinder inspection in accordance with these Regulations and in particular-

(a)where back bleeding ensues upon the slaughter of an animal the pleura shall not be completely detached from the carcase until an inspector authorises the removal of the pleura;

(b)no action shall be taken which might alter or destroy any evidence of disease except on the instructions of an inspector;

(c)subject to the provisions of regulation 8(3), the offal, other than the feet of any animal, shall after removal from the carcase, be so kept as to remain readily indentifiable with the carcase until that carcase has been inspected by an inspector; and the feet of any animal shall be kept available for inspection in the slaughterhouse until an inspector authorises their removal;

(d)any blood intended for human consumption shall be collected and placed in a clean receptacle provided for that purpose and shall be so kept as to remain readily identifiable with the carcases from which it was collected until these carcases have been inspected by an inspector.

Notification of disease or unsoundness

7.-(1) Where on the slaughter of any animal for sale for human consumption it appears that any part of the carcase is or may be diseased or unsound, the person by whom or on whose behalf the animal was slaughtered shall forthwith inform the local authority of that fact.

(2) This regulation shall not apply in any case where an animal is slaughtered in a slaughterhouse under the management of a local authority or a joint board constituted under the Public Health Act 1936.

Restriction on removal of carcases

8.-(1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, no person shall remove, or cause or permit to be removed, from a slaughterhouse any blood intended for human consumption or any carcase or part of a carcase or any offal until it has been inspected in accordance with these Regulations and, in the case of any carcase or part of a carcase which has been so inspected and passed as fit for human consumption by an inspector, until it has been marked in accordance with regulation 11.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, where by reason of accidental injury, illness, exposure to infection or other emergency affecting any animal, that animal has been slaughtered for sale for human consumption in any place other than a slaughterhouse, no person shall remove, or cause to be removed, from the place of slaughter the carcase of that animal or any part thereof or any offal removed therefrom, or any blood collected from that carcase and intended for human consumption, until it has been inspected in accordance with these Regulations and, in the case of any carcase or part of a carcase which has been so inspected and passed as fit for human consumption by an inspector, until it has been marked in accordance with regulation 11:

Provided that where any animal to which this paragraph applies has been slaughtered in a place which is unsuitable for retaining a carcase, the carcase may be removed to some convenient place for inspection in accordance with these Regulations, but the information required to be given under regulation 5 shall be given to the local authority in whose district that place of inspection is situated and regulation 5 and this paragraph shall have effect as if that place were substituted for the place of slaughter.

(3) The following parts of a carcase shall be discarded immediately after slaughter-

(a)in the case of sheep and goats, the head (including the tongue and brains), if it is not intended for human consumption;

(b)the penis, if an inspector is satisfied that it shows no pathological symptom or lesion.

Restriction on the use of a slaughterhouse

9. No person shall use, or cause to be used, a slaughterhouse for the slaughter of any animal not intended for human consumption, or the dressing of the carcase of any such animal.

Inspection of meat

10.-(1) Every inspection made in pursuance of regulation 3 shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 1 and, so far as is practicable, shall be made while the carcase is being dressed.

(2) In determining whether he is satisfied that any carcase, part of a carcase, or any offal or blood is fit for human consumption the inspector shall have regard to the provisions of Schedule 2.

(3) For the purpose of such an inspection of the carcase, offal or blood of any animal, the inspector may, if he thinks fit, require specimens from that carcase, offal or blood to be submitted for laboratory examination.

Marking of carcases

11.-(1) Where after inspection in accordance with these Regulations an inspector is satisfied that a carcase or part of a carcase is fit for human consumption, he shall mark that carcase or, as the case may be, that part of the carcase, with a mark of the kind, and in the appropriate manner, described in Schedule 3:

Provided that in every case where the inspector is not so satisfied in relation to any part of a carcase he shall not mark any part of that carcase until the part in relation to which he is not satisfied has been removed.

(2) No person other than an inspector shall in relation to any carcase or part of a carcase make use of any mark of the kind described in Schedule 3.

(3) No person shall make use of any mark so resembling a mark used by an inspector in accordance with these Regulations as to be calculated to deceive.

Notification to local authority and marking of certain meat placed in cold storage

12.-(1) Every person who causes any part of a carcase or any offal to be placed in cold storage for the purposes of paragraph 7(b) of Schedule 2 shall, at the same time as he causes it to be so placed, give notice to the local authority within whose district the cold store is situated, in such form as the local authority may require, of the date of the placing and the period for which it is intended that the part of a carcase or offal, as the case may be, will remain in cold storage.

(2) Where an inspector is satisfied that the said part of a carcase is fit for human consumption, he shall mark it in accordance with the last foregoing regulation.

Charges by local authorities for meat inspection

13.-(1) Subject to paragraph (4) of this regulation, a local authority may make charges, of such amounts as they may from time to time determine in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (2) or (3) of this regulation, in respect of meat inspections carried out by them in pursuance of regulation 3.

(2) A local authority which intend to make charges, or to increase the amounts of any existing charges, shall-

(a)calculate on the basis of the permitted cost factors set out in Schedule 4 the amounts of their charges;

(b)consult the occupier of any slaughterhouse affected by those charges about the amounts which the local authority propose to charge, the number of persons whom they propose to employ in carrying out the inspections to which those charges relate and the hours during which those persons are intended to be engaged on those inspections;

(c)supply to any person consulted by them in accordance with sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph, on his request made in writing within fourteen days of the day on which he was consulted, details of the calculations used to decide the amounts of the proposed charges;

(d)consider any representations made to them by, or on behalf of, any person whom they have consulted and, having regard thereto, determine the amounts of their charges; and

(e)notify such amounts to all persons consulted in accordance with sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph at least fourteen days before the day on which the charges are to take effect.

(3) A local authority which intend to reduce the amounts of any existing charges shall-

(a)determine the amounts which, on the basis of the permitted cost factors set out in Schedule 4, are to be charged;

(b)notify the occupier of any slaughterhouse affected by those charges of the amounts of their charges, the number of persons whom they propose to employ in carrying out the inspections to which those charges relate and the hours during which those persons are intended to be engaged on those inspections; and

(c)supply to any person so notified, on his request in writing made within seven days of the day on which he was notified, details of the calculations used to determine the amounts of the charges.

(4) A local authority shall not apply any charge unless the requirements of paragraph (2) or (3) of this regulation have been complied with in respect of that charge.

(5) In this regulation and in Schedule 4 "occupier" includes, in relation to a public slaughterhouse, any person who slaughters animals there with the consent of the local authority which provides that slaughterhouse.

14.-(1) Any charge made by a local authority by virtue of the last foregoing regulation shall be payable-

(a)in respect of any animal slaughtered in a slaughterhouse other than a public slaughterhouse, by the person for the time being licensed in respect of that slaughterhouse under Part I of the Slaughterhouses Act 1974(6);

(b)in respect of any animal slaughtered in a public slaughterhouse, by the person on whose behalf the animal is slaughtered;

(c)in any other case, by the person who informs the local authority of the slaughter in accordance with regulation 5.

(2) Any charge due to a local authority by virtue of this and the last foregoing regulation shall be recoverable by them summarily as a civil debt.

Notification to local authority

15.-(1) Any information or notice required to be given under regulation 5, 7 or 12 shall be given to the local authority at such address as that authority may direct or, in default of any such direction, at the office of the Chief Environmental Health Officer.

(2) Such information may be given orally. If given in writing, such information or notice may be given by post.

Responsibility, and assistance to inspectors

16. Every person who slaughters, or causes to be slaughtered, any animal for sale for human consumption-

(a)shall take all practicable steps to secure compliance by any person employed by him with the provisions of regulations, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12; and

(b)shall ensure that any inspector is given such reasonable assistance as he may from time to time require for the purposes of these Regulations.

Penalties and enforcement

17.-(1) If any person contravenes or fails to comply with any of the foregoing provisions of these Regulations he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable-

(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £2,000; and

(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.

(2) Each local authority shall execute and enforce such provisions in their district.

Revocations

18.-(1) The Regulations specified in Schedule 5 are hereby revoked.

(2) The reference to the Meat Inspection Regulations 1963(7) in Schedule 2 to the Food (Revision of Penalties) Regulations 1982(8) and in Part II of the Schedule to the Food (Revision of Penalties) Regulations 1985(9) shall be omitted.

Regulation 10(1)

SCHEDULE 1INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

PART IGeneral instructions

1. The carcase and offal and the blood of each slaughtered animal shall be inspected without delay. The inspector shall have regard to-

(a)the age and sex of the animal;

(b)the state of nutrition of the animal;

(c)any evidence of bruising or haemorrhage;

(d)any local or general oedema;

(e)the efficiency of bleeding;

(f)any swelling, deformity or other abnormality of bones, joints, musculature or umbilicus;

(g)any abnormality in consistency, colour, odour and, where appropriate, taste;

(h)the condition of the pleura and peritoneum;

(i)any other evidence of abnormality.

2. The inspection shall include-

(a)visual examination of the slaughtered animal and the organs belonging to it;

(b)palpation of the organs referred to in Parts II, III, IV, V and VI of this Schedule and, where considered necessary by the inspector, the uterus;

(c)incisions of organs and lymph nodes as specified in Parts II, III, IV, V and VI of this Schedule; and

(d)any additional incisions or examinations that an inspector considers necessary.

PART IIDetailed instructions

Bovine animals over six weeks old

1. In the case of bovine animals over six weeks old the inspection shall include-

(a)visual examination of the head and throat; the submaxillary, retro-pharyngeal and parotid lymph nodes shall be examined in detail; examination of the external (masseter) cheek muscles in which two deep incisions shall be made and the internal (pterygoid) cheek muscles in which at least one deep incision shall be made; all incisions shall be made parallel to the mandible from its upper muscular insertion; visual examination and palpation of the tongue, having been freed to permit a detailed visual examination of the mouth and fauces;

(b)visual examination of the trachea, lungs and oesophagus; palpation of the lungs and oesophagus; the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes shall be examined in detail; where the lungs are intended for human consumption the trachea and the main branches of the bronchi shall be opened lengthwise and the lungs shall be incised in their posterior third at right angles to their main axes;

(c)visual examination of the pericardium and the heart; the latter shall be incised lengthwise so as to open the ventricles and to cut through the intraventricular septum;

(d)visual examination of the diaphragm;

(e)visual examination and palpation of the liver, the hepatic and pancreatic lymph nodes; the gastric surface of the liver and the base of the caudate lobe shall be incised to examine the bile ducts;

(f)visual examination of the alimentary tract, the mesentery, the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes; the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes shall be palpated and, where an inspector considers it necessary, examined in detail;

(g)visual examination and palpation of the spleen;

(h)visual examination of the kidneys and, where an inspector considers it necessary, incision of the kidneys and examination in detail of the renal lymph nodes;

(i)visual examination of the pleura and peritoneum;

(j)visual examination of the genital organs;

(k)visual examination and, where an inspector considers it necessary, palpation and incision of the udder of a cow and its lymph nodes; where the udder is intended for human consumption each half of it shall be opened by a long deep incision as far as the lactiferous sinuses and its lymph nodes shall be examined in detail; such incisions shall be carried out in such a way that they may not contaminate meat.

PART IIIDetailed instructions

Bovine animals under six weeks old

1. In the case of bovine animals under six weeks old the inspection shall include-

(a)visual examination of the head and the throat; the retro-pharyngeal lymph nodes shall be examined in detail; the mouth and fauces shall be examined and the tongue shall be palpated;

(b)visual examination of the lungs, trachea and oesophagus; palpation of the lungs; the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes shall be examined in detail; where the lungs are intended for human consumption the trachea and the main branches of the bronchi shall be opened lengthwise and the lungs shall be incised in their posterior third at right angles to their main axes;

(c)visual examination of the pericardium and the heart; the latter shall be incised lengthwise so as to open the ventricles and to cut through the intraventricular septum;

(d)visual examination of the diaphragm;

(e)visual examination and palpation of the liver and the hepatic lymph nodes; visual examination of the pancreatic lymph nodes and, where an inspector considers it necessary, incision of the liver and examination in detail of the hepatic lymph nodes;

(f)visual examination of the alimentary tract, the mesentery, the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes; the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes shall be palpated and, where an inspector considers it necessary, examined in detail;

(g)visual examination and palpation of the spleen;

(h)visual examination of the kidneys and, where an inspector considers it necessary, incision of the kidneys and examination in detail of the renal lymph nodes;

(i)visual examination of the pleura and peritoneum;

(j)visual examination and palpation of the umbilical region and the joints; and where an inspector considers it necessary, the umbilical region shall be incised, the joints opened and the synovial fluid examined.

PART IVDetailed instructions

Swine

1. In the case of swine the inspection shall include-

(a)visual examination of the head and the throat; the submaxillary lymph nodes shall be examined in detail; visual examination of the mouth, fauces and tongue;

(b)visual examination of the trachea, lungs and oesophagus; palpation of the lungs and of the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes; where the lungs are intended for human consumption the trachea and the main branches of the bronchi shall be opened lengthwise and the lungs shall be incised in their posterior third at right angles to their main axes;

(c)visual examination of the pericardium and the heart; the latter shall be incised lengthwise so as to open the ventricles and to cut through the intraventricular septum;

(d)visual examination of the diaphragm;

(e)visual examination and palpation of the liver and the hepatic lymph nodes; visual examination of the pancreatic lymph nodes;

(f)visual examination of the alimentary tract, the mesentery, the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes; the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes shall be palpated and, where an inspector considers it necessary, examined in detail;

(g)visual examination and palpation of the spleen;

(h)visual examination of the kidneys and, where an inspector considers it necessary, incision of the kidneys and examination in detail of the renal lymph nodes, save that visual examination of the kidneys shall not be necessary provided the renal lymph nodes are examined in detail;

(i)visual examination of the pleura and peritoneum;

(j)visual examination of the genital organs;

(k)visual examination of the udder and supramammary lymph nodes; in the case of sows the supramammary lymph nodes shall be examined in detail;

(l)visual examination and palpation of the umbilical region and joints of young animals; where an inspector considers it necessary, the umbilical region shall be incised and the joints shall be opened.

2. An investigation for cysticercus cellulosae shall be carried out which shall include examination of the directly visible muscular surfaces, in particular at the level of the thigh muscles, the pillars of the diaphragm, the intercostal muscles, the heart, the tongue and the larynx; where an inspector considers it necessary, the abdominal wall and the psoas muscles shall be freed from fatty tissue.

3. If an abscess is found in the carcase or in any organ of any swine, or if an inspector has reason to suspect the presence of any such abscess, he shall require the carcase to be split through the spinal column if it has not already been so split and shall examine in detail such of the following lymph nodes as he has not already so examined: superficial inguinal, supramammary, cervical, prepectoral, prescapular, presternal, sublumbar, iliac, precrural and, if he considers it necessary, the popliteal.

PART VDetailed instructions

Sheep and goats

1. In the case of sheep and goats the inspection shall include-

(a)unless the head, including the tongue and brains, is to be excluded from human consumption, visual inspection of the head after flaying and, where an inspector considers it necessary, examination of the throat, mouth, tongue, retro-pharyngeal and parotid lymph nodes;

(b)visual examination of the trachea, lungs and oesophagus; palpation of the lungs and of the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes; where an inspector considers it necessary, incision of the lungs and examination in detail of the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes;

(c)visual examination of the pericardium and the heart and, where an inspector considers it necessary, incision of the heart;

(d)visual examination of the diaphragm;

(e)visual examination and palpation of the liver and the hepatic lymph nodes; visual examination of the pancreatic lymph nodes; the gastric surface of the liver shall be incised to examine the bile ducts;

(f)visual examination of the alimentary tract, the mesentery, the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes;

(g)visual examination and palpation of the spleen;

(h)visual examination of the kidneys and, where an inspector considers it necessary, incision of the kidneys and examination in detail of the renal lymph nodes;

(i)visual examination of the pleura and peritoneum;

(j)visual examination of the genital organs;

(k)visual examination of the udder and its lymph nodes;

(l)visual examination and palpation of the umbilical region and joints of young animals; where an inspector considers it necessary, the umbilical region shall be incised and the joints shall be opened.

2. Where an inspector has reason to suspect that a suppurative condition exists in the carcase of any sheep or lamb he shall-

(a)examine by palpation as well as by observation such of the lymph nodes as are readily accessible; and

(b)in the case of a sheep, examine in detail such of the following lymph nodes as he has not already so examined: prescapular, superficial inguinal, precrural; and, in the case of a lamb, examine in detail such lymph nodes if he has found evidence of disease in the course of visual examination or palpation.

PART VIDetailed instructions

Solipeds

1. In the case of solipeds the inspection shall include-

(a)visual examination of the head and, after freeing the tongue, the throat; the submaxillary, retro-pharyngeal and parotid lymph nodes shall be palpated and, where considered necessary by an inspector, incised; visual examination and palpation of the tongue, having been freed to permit a detailed examination of the mouth and the fauces; the tonsils shall be examined;

(b)visual examination of the trachea, lungs and oesophagus; palpation of the lungs, the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes and, where an inspector considers it necessary, the lymph nodes shall be examined in detail; where the lungs are intended for human consumption the trachea and the main branches of the bronchi shall be opened lengthwise and the lungs shall be incised in their posterior third at right angles to their main axes;

(c)visual examination of the pericardium and the heart; the latter shall be incised lengthwise so as to open the ventricles and to cut through the intraventricular septum;

(d)visual examination of the diaphragm;

(e)visual examination and palpation of the liver and the hepatic lymph nodes; visual examination of the pancreatic lymph nodes; where an inspector considers it necessary, incision of the liver and the hepatic and pancreatic lymph nodes;

(f)visual examination of the alimentary tract, the mesentery, the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes; where an inspector considers it necessary, the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes shall be examined in detail;

(g)visual examination and palpation of the spleen;

(h)visual examination and palpation of the kidneys; where an inspector considers it necessary, incision of the kidneys and examination in detail of the renal lymph nodes;

(i)visual examination of the pleura and peritoneum;

(j)visual examination of the genital organs of stallions and mares;

(k)visual examination of the udder and the supramammary lymph nodes; where an inspector considers it necessary, the supramammary lymph nodes shall be examined in detail;

(l)visual examination and palpation of the umbilical region and joints of young animals; where an inspector considers it necessary, the umbilical region shall be incised and the joints shall be opened;

(m)for all grey or white horses, an examination for melanosis and melanomata; the attachment of one shoulder shall be loosened to allow examination of the muscles and the prescapular lymph node, and the kidneys shall be examined after splitting by a longitudinal incision which exposes both cortex and medulla.

PART VIIAdditional instructions where tuberculosis is suspected

Where an inspector has reason to suspect that any part of the carcase or offal of any animal is infected with tuberculosis, he shall, in addition to carrying out the provisions of the preceding Parts of this Schedule-

(a)in the case of any carcase, require the carcase to be split, examine the vertebrae, ribs, sternum, spinal cord and, if he considers it necessary, the brain, and if a lesion of a kidney is visible or suspected, incise the kidney;

(b)in the case of the carcase of any bovine animal or soliped, examine in detail the following lymph nodes (being lymph nodes not already examined by him in accordance with the provisions of Part II, III or VI of this Schedule), namely, the superficial inguinal, prepectoral, presternal, suprasternal, xiphoid, subdorsal, intercostal, prescapular, iliac, sublumbar, ischiatic, precrural and popliteal, those lymph nodes which are least likely to show infection being examined first;

(c)in the case of the carcase of any swine, examine in detail the following lymph nodes (being lymph nodes not already examined by him in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of this Schedule), namely, the superficial inguinal, cervical, prepectoral, prescapular, subdorsal, sublumbar, iliac, precrural and, if he considers it necessary, the popliteal.

Regulation 10(2)

SCHEDULE 2INDICATIONS OF UNFITNESS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

1.-(1) If upon inspection of any carcase the inspector is satisfied that the animal was suffering from any of the following diseases or conditions, he shall regard the whole carcase and all the offal and blood removed or collected therefrom as being unfit for human consumption-

• Actinobacillosis (generalised) or actinomycosis (generalised)

• Anaemia (advanced)

• Anthrax

• Blackleg

• Bruising (extensive and severe)

• Caseous lymphadenitis with emaciation

• Caseous lymphadenitis (generalised)

• Cysticercus bovis (generalised)

• Cysticercus cellulosae

• Cysticercus ovis (generalised)

• Decomposition (generalised)

• Emaciation (pathological)

• Fever

• Foot and mouth disease

• Glanders

• Jaundice

• Malignant catarrhal fever

• Mastitis (acute septic)

• Melanosis (generalised)

• Metritis (acute septic)

• Abnormal odour associated with disease or other conditions prejudicial to health

• Oedema (generalised)

• Pericarditis (acute septic)

• Peritonitis (acute diffuse septic)

• Pleurisy (acute diffuse septic)

• Pneumonia (acute septic)

• Pyaemia (including joint-ill)

• Sarcocysts (generalised)

• Septicaemia or toxaemia

• Swine erysipelas (acute)

• Swine fever

• Tetanus

• Trichinosis

• Tuberculosis (generalised)

• Tuberculosis with emaciation

• Tumours

  (a)

  malignant with secondary growths

  (b)

  multiple

• Uraemia.

(2) The inspector shall regard as unfit for human consumption any stillborn or unborn carcase and any immature carcase which is oedematous or in poor physical condition, together with any offal or blood removed or collected therefrom.

2. The inspector shall regard the blood of any animal as unfit for human consumption if he is satisfied-

(a)that the animal was affected with any infectious condition; or

(b)that the blood is contaminated by stomach contents or other extraneous matter.

3. The inspector shall in determining for the purposes of this Schedule whether tuberculosis is generalised take into account the sum of the evidence of disease and the character of the lesions throughout the carcase and, in particular, shall regard evidence of any of the following conditions as evidence of generalised tuberculosis-

(a)miliary tuberculosis of both lungs with evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere;

(b)mulitple and actively progressive lesions of tuberculosis;

(c)widespread tuberculous infection of the lymphatic glands of the carcase;

(d)diffuse acute lesions of tuberculosis of both the pleura and peritoneum associated with an enlarged or tuberculous lymphatic gland of the carcase;

(e)active or recent lesions present in the substance of any two of the following:

spleen, kidney, udder, uterus, ovary, testicle, brain and spinal cord or the membranes, in addition to tuberculous lesions in the respiratory and digestive tracts;

(f)in the case of a calf, congenital tuberculosis.

4.-(1) Where the inspector is satisfied that a carcase or offal is affected with tuberculosis other than generalised tuberculosis or tuberculosis with emaciation, he shall regard the following parts of the carcase and offal as unfit for human consumption-

(a)any part of the carcase infected with localised tuberculosis and any other part contiguous thereto;

(b)the head including the tongue, when tuberculosis exists in any lymphatic gland associated with the head or tongue:

Provided that, where in a particular gland or glands the lesion is small and inactive and the gland is not enlarged, the inspector may at his discretion regard the head or tongue, or both, as fit for human consumption after the removal of the affected gland or glands and the surrounding tissue;

(c)any organ or viscera when tuberculosis exists in the substance, or on the surface thereof, or in any lymphatic gland associated therewith.

(2) The inspector shall regard any part of a carcase and any offal or blood contaminated with tuberculous material as unfit for human consumption.

5. The inspector shall regard either of the following conditions as evidence of generalised caseous lymphadenitis for the purposes of this Schedule-

(a)mulitple, acute and actively progressive lesions of caseous lymphadenitis;

(b)multiple lesions of caseous lymphadenitis which are inactive but widespread.

6. Where the inspector is satisfied that a carcase or offal is affected with caseous lymphadenitis or any other suppurative condition and that the said condition is not generalised nor associated with emaciation, he shall regard the following parts of the carcase and offal as unfit for human consumption-

(a)any organ and its associated lymphatic gland, when the aforesaid condition exists on the surface or in the substance of that organ or gland;

(b)in any case to which sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph does not apply, the lesion and such of the surrounding parts as the inspector may think proper having regard to the age and degree of activity of the lesion. For the purposes of this sub-paragraph, an old lesion which is firmly encapsulated may be regarded as inactive.

7. Where the inspector is satisfied that any part of a carcase or any offal is affected with a localised infestation or cysticercus bovis, he shall regard the following parts of the carcase and offal as unfit for human consumption-

(a)the part of the carcase or offal so infested;

(b)the remainder of the carcase and offal unless he is satisfied that they have been kept in cold storage at a temperature not exceeding 20°F. (-7°C.) for a period of not less than three weeks or at a temperature not exceeding 14°F. (-10°C.) for a period of not less than two weeks.

8. Where the inspector is satisfied that the whole or any part of a carcase or any offal is affected by any disease or condition other than one mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs of this Schedule, he shall regard as unfit for human consumption the whole carcase and the offal or such lesser part thereof as he may think appropriate to the circumstances of the case.

9. Where the inspector is satisfied that a part of a carcase or any offal is affected by a slight localised infestation by a parasite not transmissible to man, he may at his discretion regard as unfit for human consumption the part of the carcase or offal so affected together with the tissue immediately surrounding it.

Regulation 11

SCHEDULE 3MARKING OF CARCASES

1. The mark referred to in regulation 11 shall consist of a stamp identifying the inspector by whom the inspection was carried out and shall not be of a green colour.

2.-(1) In the case of a soliped or bovine animal other than a calf, the mark shall be impressed on each quarter of the carcase.

(2) In the case of any other animal, the mark shall be impressd on each side of the carcase.

Regulation 13

SCHEDULE 4PERMITTED COST FACTORS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF MEAT INSPECTION CHARGES BY A LOCAL AUTHORITY

General

1. The use made by each slaughterhouse of the local authority's facilities required to provide the meat inspection service, account being taken of economies in inspection resources made possible by the scale or mode of operation of any slaughterhouse.

Salaries and related costs

2.-(1) The salaries or fees, together with overtime payments and employers' national insurance and superannuation contributions, of staff engaged on meat inspection duties (or the relevant proportion thereof in so far as those duties do not occupy their full working day). In determining the amount chargeable in respect of these costs the following shall apply-

(a)If the hours required for meat inspection occupy less than the full working day of an inspector but the remaining period is too short for it to be practicable to employ that inspector fully on other duties, the full day (other than time actually spent on other duties) may be charged. In particular, if inspection is required at two or more distinct periods of the working day, the full time from the start of the first period of inspection to the end of the final period may be charged, other than any time actually spent on other duties.

(b)Where, because of a change in the scale or mode of operation of a slaughterhouse, the number of hours required for meat inspection at that slaughterhouse falls below the number envisaged when the charges applicable to that slaughterhouse were determined and the occupier thereof has given written notice to the local authority of that change of circumstance, the charges applicable to that slaughterhouse shall be correspondingly reduced on or before the expiry of a period of two months from the date of that notice.

(2) Travelling and related incidental expenses incurred by staff engaged in the carrying out of meat inspection (including subsistence and car user allowance where these are paid) except that such expenses shall not be charged where an officer is exclusively employed at one slaughterhouse, unless otherwise mutually agreed between the local authority and the occupier of that slaughterhouse.

Supervision

3. Cost of supervision by staff not actually engaged on meat inspection, assessed on the basis of the payments mentioned in paragraph 2 above in accordance with the time spent by them on meat inspection supervision, together with the appropriate proportion of the expenses of office accommodation and equipment for such supervisory staff also assessed in accordance with time spent by them on meat inspection supervision.

Furniture and office equipment

4. Depreciation of any office furniture or office equipment provided by the local authority for the use of inspectors at the slaughterhouse. Such costs shall not be included where, by agreement with the local authority, these items are provided by the occupier of the slaughterhouse.

Stationery and printing etc.

5. The invoice price paid for record sheets and labels used in connection with meat inspection, and ink for marking meat.

Protective clothing and working equipment

6. The invoice price paid for protective clothing and equipment used for the carrying out of meat inspection to the extent that they are paid for by the local authority.

Laundry

7. The cost of laundering protective clothing at the local authority's expense.

Telephone

8. Cost incurred by the local authority in respect of telephone calls to and from any slaughterhouse in relation to meat inspections carried out there.

Training and recruitment

9. Costs incurred by the local authority in connection with the recruitment of trainee inspectors and their training where the local authority intend to employ them as inspectors in their area following completion of training and have given a written statement to that effect to the occupier. The chargeable costs are those relating to advertisements for trainee meat inspectors, their interview expenses, course and examination fees, salaries, and travelling, subsistence and other expenses incidental to the training.

Other costs

10. The cost of accounting and collecting charges and the cost of providing pay-roll and personnel services in connection with the employment of inspectors.

Regulation 18

SCHEDULE 5REVOCATIONS

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations, which apply to England and Wales only, come into force on 5th February 1988. They re-enact with amendments the Meat Inspection Regulations 1963, as amended.

The principal changes are-

(a)the substitution in the definition of "animals" of the words "bovine animals (including buffalo)" and "solipeds" for the words "cattle" and "horses" respectively (regulation 2);

(b)the relaxation of the restriction on removal of parts from a carcase so as to allow heads of sheep and goats and penises to be discarded, in specified circumstances, immediately after slaughter (regulation 8(3));

(c)the replacement of Schedule 1 with a new Schedule which specifies in seven parts the requirements for inspections of carcases. Part I sets out the general instructions; Part II, III, IV, V and VI contain the detailed instructions for bovine animals over six weeks old, bovine animals under six weeks old, swine, sheep and goats, and solipeds, respectively; and Part VII contains the additional instructions where tuberculosis is suspected.

The Regulations-

(i)require local authorities to inspect carcases of animals slaughtered for human consumption and enable them to control the times of slaughter (regulations 3 and 4);

(ii)prescribe the requirements as to prior notification to local authorities of intention to slaughter, as to dressing of carcases and as to notification to local authorities of any disease or unsoundness in a carcase (regulations 5, 6 and 7);

(iii)impose restrictions on the removal of carcases, blood and offal until passed as fit for human consumption and on the use of slaughterhouses in respect of animals not intended for human consumption (regulations 8 and 9);

(iv)make provision for the inspection of carcases, offal and blood and the marking of carcases (regulations 10, 11 and 12 and Schedules 1, 2 and 3);

(v)make provision for charging by local authorities for meat inspections and for notices, assistance to inspectors and enforcement (regulations 15 to 17).