[On the way to an optimal system of meat inspection for slaughtering pigs]

A brief historical review of meat inspection is followed by a discussion of the objectives of meat inspection and the possibility of achieving an optimum form of inspection. In the EC system of meat inspection no requirements with respect to information supplied by the farmer are incorporated. The current system of meat inspection is based on relatively rigid legal requirements. Particularly, examination of meat for veterinary drug residues may involve difficulties in testing and give rise to financial problems. Assuming the producer of slaughtered animals to be the first to be responsible for the wholesomeness and the quality of the products delivered, he should also have the opportunity to bear this responsibility. However, this responsibility should be rewarded. A method by which a warranted system of meat inspection could be built up in addition to the regular EC system of meat inspection is suggested.