Irish farmers frustrated with Clean Sheep Policy

According to Global Meat News, Irish farmers are frustrated with slaughter plants. Farmers have claimed the plants are unfairly and inconsistently applying the country’s “Clean Sheep Policy.” The policy, part of Ireland’s larger Clean Livestock Policy, was finalized early last year. It requires farmers present clean, dry animals to slaughter plants, and for plant inspectors “to ensure that animals that have such hide conditions that there is an unacceptable risk of contamination of the meat during slaughter are not slaughtered for human consumption unless they are cleaned beforehand.” The Irish Farmers Association asserts that plants that have been fining farmers or returning sheep due to wet or dirty pelts are asking the impossible in light of the recent heavy rains the country has been getting. — WLJ