Advocates working to protect small abattoirs from closure are calling on the Food Standards Agency and Defra to implement the 5% rule in the UK. This rule would allow small abattoirs to increase their throughput from one thousand livestock units a year to 5% of the national throughput, thought to be around 5 to 10,000 livestock units a year, while maintaining a lighter touch veterinary inspection regime.
Jason Aldiss is head of external affairs for the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers.
ffinlo Costain asked him first why small abattoirs are under so much pressure.