- Location
- Lincolnshire
If I take animals to the market or abattoir I have always had to sign a declaration that they are fit for human consumption including all withdrawals have been observed, whether or not they are RT. This for me is a signed certificate of compliance with U.K. legislation and covers the abattoir or buyer against a claim. I think that’s reasonable. It identifies myself as the responsible person. It’s basic assurance. Whether we need the vet to countersign an annual business compliance cert is debatable but as a minimum we a certificate of compliance for every batch sold, signed by the producer. It’s what non RT already does through the market entry form. I agree we don’t need RT. I agree we need as little unecesssry rubbish as possible but please can somebody explain to me what this new system is? It isn’t nothing.We are already checked by govt agencies like Trading Standards, etc. That’s all that’s needed, along with our own declaration that we are abiding by current legislation (which in itself makes us liable for any problems).
There is no need to get any ‘professional’ involved, which just adds unnecessary costs. No vet, or agronomist, can certify that we are complying to any regs on farm as they aren’t there to witness it. They might advise us but it’s ultimately only us that choose whether we comply or not.
Why add ANY complication and cost? It’s not required currently for non-FA produce, which still enters the food chain perfectly safely, and it isn’t required for imported product doing the same.