The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has commissioned an audit to gauge levels of compliance with its pork scheme’s lorry washing rules.
Lorry washing is a mandatory requirement of the scheme but a number of complaints have been made about facilities at some abattoirs.
These include vehicles leaving the site without being cleansed and disinfected and queues at peak times due to inadequate washing facilities, including low water pressure, condition of equipment, availability of cleaning chemicals and maintenance.
There have also been complaints about the use of coin operated systems, which have been described as ‘not fit for purpose’ and require an unreasonable number of coins to complete a full wash.
BMPA technical policy advisor Henrietta Sameke said audits would be carried out on the level of compliance with scheme rules, including spot checks, to provide objective evidence so further action can be taken, if deemed necessary.
“General surveillance audits had not highlighted major issues with compliance. However, the BMPA’s main concerns are biosecurity and animal welfare so these additional checks will ensure that the scheme requirements are being met,” she said.