The European Food Safety Authority has proposed measures to
address the animal welfare hazards most commonly observed during
the slaughter of poultry for food production and disease control.
A comprehensive overview published today covers the entire
slaughter process from arrival and unloading of birds through
stunning to bleeding and killing. It identifies a number of
hazards that give rise to welfare issues – such as pain, thirst,
hunger or restricted movement – and proposes preventive and
corrective measures where possible.
Most of the hazards are the result of staff failings e.g. lack of
training and skilled personnel. EFSA’s advice highlights the
importance of staff being adequately trained in the different
phases of slaughter and for clear identification of roles and
responsibilities.
The new scientific opinions are the first in a series of updates
on welfare of animals at slaughter requested by the European
Commission. EFSA will publish further opinions in 2020 on pigs
(March), cattle (June), and other species (December).
They are all based on the latest available scientific knowledge
and are being developed in consultation with animal welfare
experts from EU Member States.
The findings will be used by the European Commission in
discussions with the World Organisation on Animal Health (OIE)
aimed at aligning approaches to animal welfare at slaughter.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/poultry-welfare-slaughter-hazards-identified-measures-proposed