Start of SAFE system for the pig sector

THE NETHERLANDS - The Netherlands has become the first member of the EU to comply with the EU requirements for “self control programmes“ as prescribed in EU directive 96/23.

14 April 2004

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As of the 1st April 2004 the trade of pigs in the Netherlands will be restricted to animals that comply with the program for sampling and analysis for forbidden substances (SAFE). Sampling is conducted by the independent control body Control Bureau Animal Sector (CBD) and samples will be taken from urine and feed to test for proscribed substances.

SAFE has been incorporated in the national Dutch quality assurance scheme, IKB, in which over 90% of Dutch farmers participate. Farmers that don’t currently participate in the IKB scheme will have to either join IKB or be subject to much more stringent (and costly) tests by the CBD.

The National Inspection Service for Livestock and Meat (RVV) will check that all pigs comply with the SAFE programme when conducting their activities in export certification and livestock and meat inspection in the slaughterhouse. Any pigs that are not SAFE approved may be subject to extra tests which will cost an extra € 1000,-- per animal.

Source: Dutch Meat Board - 14th April 2003