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The aim of this research is to better understand the social processes in place within slaughterhouses to gain insight into the potential impact of regulatory reform.<P>
The project aims to deliver a better understanding of:
<UL> <LI>
the drivers and barriers that help or hinder food business organisations taking full responsibility for food safety (in the context of building a greater holistic understanding of food business organisations food safety behaviours) </LI>
<LI> the drivers and barriers that help or hinder veterinarians and meat hygiene inspectors to undertake effective enforcement action (in the context of building a greater holistic understanding of enforcers’ behaviours) </LI> </UL>
Background<br/>
Official controls have developed over many decades and were originally designed to manage hazards that were characterised by pathological changes largely detectable by visual inspection.
<P>
It is important the Agency ensures that official controls are risk based, proportionate, targeted and cost effective. This research project seeks to improve and deepen our understanding of those involved in the delivery of official controls in the slaughterhouse environment.
<P> Research Approach: <br/>
This evaluation includes:
<UL> <LI> a scoping stage to identify existing evidence. </LI> <LI>
key informant interviews to help inform subsequent stages of the research. </LI> <LI>
case studies, consisting of two-day visits when researchers will conduct a range of interviews and observation within 24 slaughterhouses. </LI> </ul>
The findings of this study will inform proposals for changes to the official controls in slaughterhouses and help to ensure that proposed changes to the current system are based on a knowledge of the ‘on the ground’ situation.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.