FSA scraps plans to raise MHS inspection charges
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has dropped plans to implement a 4% increase in charges for inspections within abattoirs and primary meat processing plants by the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS).
The increases had been agreed at an FSA board meeting earlier this year as part of a move to reduce the burden on public sector finances from the significant subsidy inspection costs involve. But the FSA has responded to pressure for the industry and government ministers not to go ahead because of the tough economic environment at this time.
However, the FSA is to proceed with the introduction of a new regime of charges based on the time of inspection from September this year.
FSA chief executive Tim Smith said: “We are pleased that we have reached agreement on the move to time-based charging. That provides a good platform for the Meat Hygiene Service [in Great Britain] and DARD [Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland] to continue working closely with the industry to deliver the official controls in the most efficient way.”
Smith added: “It was clear from our discussions with ministers that there was concern about the introduction of a 4% increase and so there will be no increase in charges at this time.”
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