Advice of BuRO on the suitability of disinfectant VR 2827-3 in slaughterhouses

BuRO advices the NVWA to impose strict requirements on a cattle slaughterhouse that wants to perform a trial with an alternative disinfectant, i.e. VR 2927-3. The slaughterhouse is asked to demonstrate in a step-wise approach that the alternative disinfectant is as effective as water of 82 degrees Celsius is, in disinfecting slaughtering tools. The slaughterhouse should apply this step-wise approach to different pathogenic micro-organisms.

Food companies are not allowed to use VR 2827-3 (yet). That is why BuRO advises to NVWA to continue enforcement with respect to the use of this product. The reason for this is that the results from one slaughterhouse cannot be extrapolated to the other.

Background

This BuRO-advice was drawn up at the request of the Director of the Directorate for Inspection of the NVWA, regarding the suitability of VR 2827-3 as a disinfectant for slaughtering tools in the meat processing industry. The Dutch Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) allowed for the trial with VR 2827-3, on the condition that the NVWA determines whether it considers this product safe for use in a food business.

The Hygiene Regulation

During the slaughter procedure, there is a risk for transmission of pathogenic micro-organisms from one carcass to the other, if the slaughtering equipment used is contaminated with these pathogens. In order to prevent this cross-contamination, between the processing of the different carcasses knives and other instruments must be disinfected with hot water of at least 82 degrees Celsius, according to the Hygiene Regulation. The Hygiene Regulation, stipulates in Annex III, Section I (Chapter II, point 3): 'They [i.e. slaughterhouses] must have facilities for disinfecting tools with hot water supplied at not less than 82ÂșC, or an alternative system having an equivalent effect.'