New rules around sheep grading and pricing are due to come into effect later this year.
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The NI Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA) has warned of unintended consequences if MLAs at Stormont pass legislation this spring introducing mandatory sheep carcase classification and price reporting in NI.
The proposed legislation, brought forward by DAERA, would bring NI into line with Britain and also effectively puts in place the same rules as exist for beef and pigs, whereby carcases must be dressed to a legal standard and graded by licensed classifiers.
A voluntary system of grading and price reporting has existed in NI for many years.
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The key issue raised by NIMEA relates to the UK-wide requirement to present sheep carcases for weighing and grading with the tail severed between the sixth and seventh caudal vertebrae. At present in NI, the tail is completely removed before the weigh scale, which ultimately, processors contend, results in improved hygiene and food safety.
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The NI Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA) has warned of unintended consequences if MLAs at Stormont pass legislation this spring introducing mandatory sheep carcase classification and price reporting in NI.
The proposed legislation, brought forward by DAERA, would bring NI into line with Britain and also effectively puts in place the same rules as exist for beef and pigs, whereby carcases must be dressed to a legal standard and graded by licensed classifiers.
A voluntary system of grading and price reporting has existed in NI for many years.
The key issue raised by NIMEA relates to the UK-wide requirement to present sheep carcases for weighing and grading with the tail severed between the sixth and seventh caudal vertebrae. At present in NI, the tail is completely removed before the weigh scale, which ultimately, processors contend, results in improved hygiene and food safety.
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