- within Environment topic(s)
The FSA has launched a consultation on key changes proposed to the official control audits in FSA approved meat establishments, namely slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game handling establishments.
The proposals include changes to risk ratings, use of evidence, audit outcomes and audit frequencies, and are in line with the following objectives:
- An understandable, fair and effective audit system
- Assuring confidence (both internal and external) in the accuracy and consistency of audit assessments
- Ensuring appropriate enforcement action and compliance
- Providing understandable outcomes and recognised benefits for better performing businesses
- Increased audit frequencies
The FSA Board discussed audit arrangements in September 2013, as part of wider considerations on compliance in the meat industry and, acknowledging concerns raised by industry representatives, there was support for early improvements to strengthen audit arrangements in approved meat plants.
The consultation closed on 16 May 2014 and it is anticipated that the new audit system will be implemented in July 2014, with all meat establishments to have undergone an audit under the new arrangements by February 2015.
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