Poland concerned over EU veterinary and hygiene laws
Poland, a European Union aspirant, is experiencing difficulties in its negotiations with the EU. Obstacles include the adoption of EU procedures in Polish abattoirs and dairies, cattle registration and the utilisation of fallen animals. Poland has been warned that, if the negotiations do not make progress, the country’s accession to the EU – originally scheduled for the end of this year – will be delayed.
A major problem concerns 260 out of 3,687 slaughterhouses, as well as a number of food processing plants. The fear is that these establishments will not match up to the standards required by the allotted date.
Another issue is the adoption of the registration system for cattle. The number of Polish cattle at stake is approximately seven million, and it appears doubtful that the system will be fully functional by the timeframe proposed by Polish experts - of September 2002 to January 2003.
Polish farmers have said they would prefer to continue to burn or bury fallen animals, rather than hand them over to special processing plants.
