Submitted by Thomas Pröller, meat-n-more on , Published in Archive
In Brussels, the representatives of the four members of the European Meat Alliance (EMA) agreed on a set of rules for working together to harmonize national quality standards. The adoption of these framework conditions, which are important for the continued successful work of the EMA, took place in the presence of the EU parliamentarian Jan Mulder, who is also a co-initiator of the EU initiative for the harmonization of quality assurance systems.
By defining the criteria of the requirements framework and the basis thus created for the recognition of raw materials from other EMA countries, the EMA members Denmark (QSG), Netherlands (IKB), Belgium (Certus) and Germany (QS) have one important step on the way to harmonizing the four national quality systems. The requirement framework essentially summarizes the criteria that show complete agreement in all four member countries, i.e. meat production can only take place as an integral chain process. This includes all activities from feed production to rearing and fattening the animals to transport and slaughtering as well as cutting and packaging. The analysis of these matches was carried out by an institute specially commissioned by the EMA for this purpose.
Submitted by Thomas Pröller, meat-n-more on , Published in Archive
The Dutch meat sector has always been a supporter of international cooperation, or quality assurance. Its years of experience with Integral Chain Surveillance (IKB) has convinced the Dutch sector that safety in the meat sector is a requirement and should not leave room for competition.
The Dutch IKB system dates back to 1992. Outside of all the links in the meat production chain itself (producers, cattle traders, slaughterhouses and food retailers), representatives from the authorities, veterinary faculties and scientific research institutes have also played an important role in establishing this system.
Submitted by Thomas Pröller, meat-n-more on , Published in Archive
More consumer information required - check new model for stocking density
In its last meeting [February 12, 02], the Initiative for a Sustainable German Turkey Economy decided on concrete steps to further develop the standards of German turkey meat production, which are already high by EU standards. The top representatives of the participating organizations from politics, science, animal protection, consumer protection, trade and agriculture spoke out in favor of continuing the work with the principle "duty before haste" in the further development of animal protection requirements. They also see an urgent need to improve consumer information in order to break down the obvious misconceptions about modern turkey husbandry and product safety. New approaches for improved animal welfare
The initiative hopes that new findings will improve animal welfare. The experts see possible approaches in a new model for determining the stocking density in conventional floor housing for turkeys: the stocking density describes the number of turkeys per square meter. So far, the number of animals has been limited to a maximum value. This enables the animals to continue their species-typical behavior at the end of the rearing period. In the future, a flexible model could replace the rigid upper limits and take into account the entire management of the respective farm - linked to criteria such as the quality of husbandry, care and supervision of the animals through to the expertise of the owner. If, in practice, certain tolerance values are exceeded or not reached, the permissible stocking density would be reduced or increased accordingly. However, the development of such a model is considered to be difficult.
Submitted by Thomas Pröller, meat-n-more on , Published in Archive
Production and consumption vary greatly from region to region
The ratio of meat production and meat consumption in a region is expressed by the degree of self-sufficiency. In a new analysis, the ZMP determined this data for the individual German federal states.
In 2002, Germany had gross domestic production of around four million tons of pork, making it the largest producer in the European Union. In terms of per capita consumption, Germans also take one of the top places with around 53,7 kilograms per year. The German degree of self-sufficiency in the pork sector is 90 percent.
Submitted by Thomas Pröller, meat-n-more on , Published in Archive
Not only hot peppers and quinces are very popular
If you want to eat healthily, you should eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. In Germany, foreign consumers obviously take this to heart more than Germans. According to data from the GfK household panel commissioned by ZMP and CMA for 2003, foreign households in Germany bought around 30 percent more fruit and 20 percent more vegetables than German private households.
There are clear differences in the preferences for individual types of fruit and vegetables: 14 times more pepperoni, 13 times more fresh spinach and ten times more aubergines are eaten in foreign households. Pole beans, sweet corn, artichokes and plum tomatoes are also three to four times the amount that is usual in German households. In contrast, foreign households use 20 to 30 percent less radishes, mixed salads, cauliflower or chicory. In the case of typical German vegetables such as kohlrabi, asparagus or Brussels sprouts, purchases only reach half of the quantities purchased by German households.
Submitted by Thomas Pröller, meat-n-more on , Published in Archive
Livestock and Meat
In the meat wholesale markets, the demand for beef has not yet received any impetus. The cost prices for halves and quarters rose due to the increased producer prices for slaughter cattle. The sale of parts continued under unchanged conditions. At the slaughterhouse level, there was still a limited supply of young bulls and cows for slaughter. The companies therefore paid more for young bulls than before; the premiums were stronger in the northwest than in the south. Cows for slaughter also produced more in many places, but the price increases were more limited than for young bulls. The federal budget for young bulls R3 climbed by five cents to 2,51 euros per kilogram of slaughter weight, and the average price for cows O3 rose by three cents to 1,58 euros per kilogram. In the case of mail order beef to neighboring countries, slight surcharges could be enforced here and there. - Cattle for slaughter should also be offered in limited numbers in the coming week. However, further price fixes are only to be expected to a modest extent, since the revenue opportunities from the sale of beef cannot follow the development in the live cattle markets. - In line with seasonal expectations, the veal trade was steady, but at a low level. The veal prices remained mostly unchanged. As in the previous week, the providers received around 4,30 euros per kilogram of slaughter weight for slaughtered calves that were billed at a flat rate. - On the farm calf market, the well-enough supply met with calm demand. Some of the prices fell slightly.
Submitted by Thomas Pröller, meat-n-more on , Published in Archive
Mostly seasonal sales
Business on the European agricultural markets quickly returned to normal after the New Year's holidays. In many places there were significantly more beef cattle for sale in January than in the previous month. Nevertheless, the prices for young bulls and cows for slaughter increased; however, the previous year's level was not quite reached. The supply of pigs for slaughter in some of the important EU producer countries was significantly higher than before. Despite inconsistent price development, the average was slightly above the previous month's line. The chicken market was mostly stable. With constant demand, the prices hardly changed. In contrast, the turkey sector came under pressure. After the turn of the year, the customary seasonal price decline began on the egg market. For dairy products, the providers usually achieved a little less. Significantly more slaughter cattle
The supply of beef for slaughter in January was often significantly higher than in the previous month. In Germany around 25 percent more came to slaughter, in Denmark around 29 percent and in the Netherlands even around 32 percent. Compared to the previous year, slaughterings in Denmark and Germany increased slightly, only in Belgium they were smaller. Young bull prices developed unevenly in the EU. Fixed proceeds were achieved in Germany, France, Austria and Great Britain, while the Netherlands and Belgium reported the strongest declines. The EU average for young R3 bulls in January was 271 euros per 100 kilograms slaughter weight, which was a good seven euros more than in December, but almost twelve euros less than a year ago. The slaughter cow market was also predominantly characterized by fixed prices; Only the Danish producers had to accept losses. On average, farmers earned a good 3 euros per 171 kilograms for O100 cows, around five euros more than in the previous month, but two euros less than in January 2003.
Submitted by Thomas Pröller, meat-n-more on , Published in Archive
Device and Product Safety Act revised
On January 9, 2004, the law on the reorganization of the safety of technical work equipment and consumer products (equipment and product safety law - GPSG) was published in the Federal Law Gazette. It comes into force on May 1, 2004 and replaces the Product Safety Act and the Equipment Safety Act from that date, which both expire at the same time. 1. Aim and function of the GPSG
The GPSG summarizes the safety requirements of technical work equipment and consumer products, which were previously distributed in the Product Safety Act and in the Equipment Safety Act, which also include the products covered by the Food and Commodities Act (LMBG), in a single set of regulations and sets the EU Directive 2001/95 / EC of the European Parliament and the Council of December 3, 2001 on general product safety into German law in due time. The aim is to create a comprehensive law to ensure safety and health in connection with the marketing of technical products in order to deregulate and reduce bureaucracy.
Submitted by Thomas Pröller, meat-n-more on , Published in Archive
For the prospective butchers of the Saxon Meat Guild Association, what goes into the sausage is not sausage. From 14th to 22nd February 2004 they will be showing the ingredients and processes required to produce sausages in the "Glass Sausage Kitchen" which was installed for the first time at the Mitteldeutsche Handwerksmesse. Behind Plexiglas, the trade fair visitor can follow how the raw meat is turned into Wiener sausages, Saxon crackers, finger food, sausage bouquets, jelly cakes and various pies. The finished products are offered fresh for consumption on the spot.
How is a typical Saxon sausage product made? Why does an animal have to be cut up in a certain way? What is a cutter process? "We want to answer these and other questions in the glass sausage kitchen," explains Gottfried Wagner, Managing Director of the Saxon Meat Guild Association. "In our day-to-day work as master butchers, we have noticed that customers have a great desire for information. Nowadays, who has the opportunity to look behind the scenes of a butcher's shop? It's much more convenient to buy finished products in the supermarket. Like the sausage in the skin is coming, very few people know," regrets Gottfried Wagner.
Submitted by Thomas Pröller, meat-n-more on , Published in Archive
Bought British and British companies at Campofrio
Smithfield Food (Virginia, USA) is the largest pig farmer and processor in the world. The Americans are still looking to expand. In Spain they acquired a good 15% from Campofrio, the largest meat processor there, and two companies were acquired in Great Britain. The following are the original press releases from Smithfield: Smithfield Foods Acquires 15.2 Percent Interest In Spanish Pork Processor
