SCF Calls for a more affordable meat inspection regime

The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has backed calls from the meat and livestock industry for a devolved meat inspection regime for Scotland, but warns that any new legislation must take account of the circumstances of small abattoirs on islands, and in remote mainland areas, if these vital facilities are to survive. Moves to devolve meat inspection follow the decision of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to impose the full costs on meat businesses, including all the overheads of a system regarded in the industry as top-heavy and inefficient, and a historic pensions deficit from the former Meat Hygiene Service.