EU: New rules for ante- and post-mortem inspections in slaughterhouses
The Official Journal of the European Union has published Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/687, which introduces key changes to ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections of animals intended for consumption in slaughterhouses and farms.
The new regulation modifies Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/624 and strengthens controls for certain animals depending on their origin or health status.
From the date of entry into force, cattle, sheep and goats from farms without tuberculosis or brucellosis-free status will have to undergo mandatory inspection, both before and after slaughter .
Inspection will also be mandatory for animals coming from restricted areas or when additional controls exist for emerging diseases or those listed by the WHO.
New rules for ante-mortem inspections on farms
The Regulation details the cases in which ante-mortem inspection may be carried out at the farm of origin. Species such as foie gras birds, farmed game, cattle, sheep, pigs, may benefit, provided certain conditions are met.
Among the new features:
Greater regulatory consistency in certificates and exceptions
The text adapts legal references and certifications to avoid ambiguity. It replaces references to repealed regulations and incorporates the new conditions of Regulation (EC) 853/2004, which regulates slaughter at source and meat handling.
Technical adjustments in healthcare terminology
Although of lesser impact to operators, the Regulation also updates the official nomenclature of certain diseases. Thus, "tuberculosis" is replaced by "Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection" and "brucellosis" by "Brucella abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis infection", in line with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/429.
Direct application in all Member States
The new regulation will be applicable 20 days after its publication and will have direct effect in all EU countries. Operators should review their protocols to adapt to the new inspection, certification, and documentation requirements.
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