Inspection results (DE & NL)
The graphic “Official ante-mortem inspection” shows the results of the decision of the official veterinarian regarding the inspection of the individual animals:
Approved: Proportion of cattle that have been approved for slaughter for the production of food
Not permitted: Proportion of cattle that have not been approved for slaughter for the production of food
Transport deaths: animals that died during transport before arriving at the slaughterhouse.
Live inspection upon arrival at abattoir
When the cattle arrive at the slaughterhouse, each animal is individually inspected by an official veterinarian. Particular attention is paid to the evaluation of the transport conditions, animal health and the animal’s wellbeing. Only animals that do not show any signs of a condition that may affect the health of humans or animals may be slaughtered. If there are reasonable doubts about the condition of an animal, the veterinarian will carry out a more detailed examination and then decide whether the animal can be approved for slaughter for the production of food or not.
Official meat inspection - food safety - cattle
After each cattle has been slaughtered, the so-called carcass is carefully examined by official veterinarians and specialist assistants. In case of doubt, further official investigations are carried out. Only meat that is safe for human consumption is approved for further processing and receives an official health mark.
Inspection results cattle (DE & NL)
Approved: The carcass of the cattle has been assessed as suitable for human consumption
Not approved: The carcass of the cattle has been judged not to be suitable for human consumption.
Inspection results cattle (DE & NL)
Left graphic: No findings: No findings could be found on the carcass and organs of a cattle. With findings: One or more findings could be made on the carcass and / or the organs of a cow.
Right graphic:
Proportions of cattle with findings of which:
Liver: Findings in the liver can indicate metabolic changes, infections, parasitic infestation, an ingested foreign body or tumors.
Lungs, pleura, pericardium, heart: Findings on these organs indicate the presence of an inflammatory process.
Joint: Findings here provide evidence of inflammation of the joints during rearing
Abscess: An abscess is an encapsulated collection of pus that can arise after localized bacterial inflammation.
Bowel: A finding indicates inflammation of the bowel. This can be caused by a nutritional disorder, parasitic or another infection.
Parasites: indication of an infestation with sarcosporidia and / or fins.
Kidney: Findings suggest an infection of the kidney or the presence of another inflammatory process.
Official meat inspection - organ findings
During the official meat inspection, in addition to the inspection of the carcass, all organs of a cattle are also examined by official veterinarians and specialist assistants. Only organs that are safe for human consumption are allowed for further processing. The carcass and organs provide information about the animal health status of an entire herd. Findings are saved for each individual animal and reported back to the farm. With this information, the farmer can make decisions about the animal health management of his livestock.
Official residue tests - antibiotics
The use of pharmaceuticals in animal husbandry is strictly regulated and may only take place after a thorough diagnosis and prescription by a veterinarian. After medication has been administered, statutory waiting times must be observed before an animal can be slaughtered for food production. The use of the medicinal product must be documented in detail by the farmer. Compliance with the rules is checked with official residue examinations at the slaughterhouse.
An official control program focuses specifically on checking the presence of antibiotic residues in meat. 0.5% of all slaughtered cattle undergo an official examination for antibiotic residues.
Inspection results (DE)
Negative: No evidence of antibiotic residues
Positive: The legal limit values for antibiotic residues were exceeded
Inspection results cattle (DE)
Negative: No evidence of drugs and undesirable substances
Positive: Exceeding the legal limit value for drugs and / or undesirable and / or prohibited substances
Official residue inspection - national residue control plan
As part of the annual national residue control plan, the official veterinarian carries out further examinations at the slaughterhouse. Meat and organs are examined for drug residues as well as undesirable and prohibited substances using targeted random samples. The frequency and the substances to be examined are specified within the framework of a nationwide program that is coordinated by the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (national residue control plan). As part of this national residue control plan, every 250th cattle slaughtered is examined. More information on the national residue control plan.
Percentage of cows and heifers in the last third of pregnancy
If an advanced pregnancy is found during the official meat inspection, this finding is saved for the individual animal. The findings are reported back to the farm so that the farmer can take action. Animals with an advanced stage of pregnancy are rejected at the slaughterhouse.
Inspection results (DE)
The European Food Safety Authority has published further background information in a detailed statement.
Findings on animal welfare when slaughtering pregnant animals
