Resolutions from Cracking Down on Meat Crime Conference, 24.11.03

Subject: Food safety

1. New legislation is needed that would make crimes involving bringing unfit eat into the food chain easier to prosecute.
2. The light sentences imposed on those involved in meat crimes, such as
   illegal slaughter, should be significantly increased.
3. A central computerised database should be set up for intelligence
   connected with meat crimes.
4. The Meat Hygiene Service should be adequately resourced, to ensure that the handling of meat waste and by-products in abattoirs is effectively supervised.
5. There should be greater public awareness of the role of enforcement
   bodies, including environmental health practitioners, in meat crimes.
6. The public should be educated on the potential dangers of buying cheap
   meat..
7. Investigation should be done on whether illegal imports of meat,
   particularly through airports, are being adequately prevented.
8. Work should be progressed to allow for the legal production and sale of
   smokies.
9. The loophole should be closed by which farmers sell meat which should only be for their own consumption under the self-kill rules.
10. Small local abattoirs should be reintroduced.