Myth: Our traditional pork chop is under threat due to the EC’s Red Meat Directive (91/497), which decrees that butchers have to remove kidneys for health inspection, therefore denying retailers the chance of selling the two together.

Response: This is untrue. Though it is quite clearly stated in this directive that kidneys must be inspected for hygiene purposes, it also specifies that the fat that surrounds them should be peeled away but in no way should the kidneys themselves be removed. If they are disloged then that is the fault of the slaughterhouse and in no way that of the Community directive.

Statement: The livelihood of small traders and their products, as well as national, regional and indeed local specialities (including UK sausages, shepherds pie and steak and kidney pie) will be threatened by EC Health Directives on the marketing of fresh meat, minced meat and meat products that have just come into force with the arrival of the Single Market. Are the Commission and national Governments simply structuring policy to the advantage of large commercial enterprises?

Response: Before 1.1.1993 the Community’s meat market was divided into national markets, which were governed by very different health rules. The coming into effect of the Single Market had therefore to be accompanied by the harmonisation of these rules and these could only be envisaged if high standards could be respected and maintained as regards hygiene and quality, methods of production and consumption, storage, packaging and transportation. This is the ultimate aim of the directives. It …

Myth: The livelihood of small traders and their products, as well as national, regional and indeed local specialities (including UK sausages, shepherds pie and steak and kidney pie) will be threatened by EC Health Directives on the marketing of fresh meat, minced meat and meat products that have just come into force with the arrival of the Single Market. Are the Commission and national Governments simply structuring policy to the advantage of large commercial enterprises?

Response: Before 1.1.1993 the Community’s meat market was divided into national markets, which were governed by very different health rules. The coming into effect of the Single Market had therefore to be accompanied by the harmonisation of these rules and these could only be envisaged if high standards could be respected and maintained as regards hygiene and quality, methods of production and consumption, storage, packaging and transportation. This is the ultimate aim of the directives. …

Myth: EC Regulations are forcing Butchers’ shops throughout the United Kingdom to close for no good reason.

Response: This is untrue. New rules on the handling of fresh meat only apply to slaughterhouses, processing plants, storage facilities and warehouses NOT to retail premises where meat is cut up or stored for sale to the final consumer. This means that there are NO EC rules under consideration which would prevent butchers from using sawdust on their shop floors or force them to replace antique tiling.