By 
INSPECTIONS of meat plants are vital to protect workers and secure the food supply amid the continuing uncertainty over Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a West Tyrone MLA.
Sinn Fein’s Declan McAleer was speaking out after new figures revealed that between April 1 and October 23 there were 35 inspections of meat processing plants across the North.
The Minister for the Economy, Diane Dodds, also revealed that the health and safety inspections were unannounced and conducted by either two or more inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive. She was responding to a Stormont question from Mr McAleer.
Mr McAleer says the need for inspections is especially crucial now because of Brexit.
“Meat processing plants are a vital part of the food production chain and their importance will become even more pronounced as we move towards the end of the EU transition period in just over five weeks,” he said.
“This will place the issue of quality, traceability and welfare centre stage as we continue to align with EU standards while simultaneously continuing to access the British market and build our case to be included along with the south of Ireland in
the bid or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Irish grassland beef.