The Big Debate; have your say on meat hygiene charging

The meat industry is being given the chance to grill Food Standards Agency bosses face-to-face on issues surrounding the Meat Hygiene Service transformation.

Meat Trades Journal, in conjunction with the FSA, is organising an industry debate to discuss the future options for the MHS.

The event, entitle The Big Debate; have your say on meat hygiene charging, will be held in the Midlands on 13 February.

Putting the case for the FSA will be its chief executive Tim Smith. Others speakers for industry will include Stuart Roberts from the British Meat Processors Association and Meurig Raymond, deputy president of the National Farmers’ Union. Speakers from other sectors of the industry will also be taking part.

The event, held at the Ardencote Manor Hotel, Warwick, is free for industry to attend.

Ed Bedington, editor of MTJ, said: “This is a great opportunity for industry to hear what the FSA has to say and to express its own concerns and hopes for the way forward for the MHS.

“This is your chance to take part in a constructive event which can help shape the future of the MHS.”

Tim Smith said: “This is an important event and I very much hope that we can all discuss and debate many issues contained in the consultation. I believe it’s crucial that we all play an active role in this process to ensure that the consultation takes account of views across the industry.”

The debate is taking place as part of the FSA consultation on MHS charging, so all views expressed will help feed into that process.

To attend the debate for free, register with Helen Law on 01293 846587, or email her on Helen.Law@william-reed.co.uk.