Agriculture & Food

On August 20, 2021, the Official Journal of the European Union issued Regulation (EU) No. 2021/1374, amending Directive (EC) No. 853/2004 "Specific Hygienic Requirements for Food of Animal Origin". The main contents of the revision are:

(1) In the case of emergency slaughter of ungulates, the official veterinarian may conduct pre-slaughter inspections outside the slaughterhouse;

(2) Approve the slaughter of certain domestic ungulates that have the place of origin to avoid possible problems during collection and transportation;

(3) Domestic cattle and pigs slaughtered in the place of origin should be accompanied by official certificates to prove that the slaughter hygiene requirements have been complied with. Such official certificates are stipulated in (EU) 2020/2235;

(4) The meat used for freezing must be frozen immediately after slaughtering or cutting, without unreasonable delay;

(5) Requirements for storage and refrigeration of liver and roe of fish products, and requirements for storage of fresh aquatic products, etc.

This regulation will take effect 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.