Producers warned of new market rules

The Livestock Auctioneers Association is warning farmers and hauliers they must meet the new Food Chain Information (FCI) regulations when sending stock to market in 2010.

Slaughterhouse operators are required to "request, receive, check and act upon" FCI for all cattle, sheep and goats, sent for slaughter for human consumption from January 1. Similar regulations were introduced for poultry in 2006, pigs in 2008 and calves and horses in 2009.

LAA chairman Alastair Sneddon said: "Producers will have to sign a form stating all the animals they send to market for slaughter are free from disease and any withdrawal periods and are fit for human consumption. Markets will not be able to accept animals for slaughter that are not covered by these statements."

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n Farm supplier Ritchey's of Masham has updated its free pocket guide to the complications of EID, which can be printed out from www.ritchey.co.uk. Go to 'advice centre', at the bottom of the page, and then 'legislation advice'.

Copies can be obtained from agricultural merchants or by sending a stamped addressed envelope, marked 'EID flowchart request', to Ritchey at Fearby Road, Masham, HG4 4ES.

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