Scientific Opinion on monitoring procedures at slaughterhouses for bovines

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in December 2013, published a scientific opinion on the welfare of bovines during the slaughter process. The opinion proposes monitoring indicators to be used and sampling protocols to be put in place at slaughterhouses. This work was carried out in the context of the new EU legislation on the protection of animals at the time of killing (Council Regulation EC No 1099/2009). According to this legislation, business operators must ensure that animals do not present any signs of consciousness after stunning and before death.