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141
These regulations will prohibit the passing of meat for export in the
following circumstances:—
If it is the meat of animals that have not been completely
inspected.
If on inspection any of the diseases referred to in a Schedule are
found to exist.
In cases of Tuberculosis or other nature, if such meat is condemned,
in the country of destination.
In cases of bone fractures and important lesions or wounds of
the skin and subcutis.
When in pigs extensive skin affections are found to exist.
If local processes or abscesses have been removed before
inspection.'
When the meat has not been handled in a cleanly manner.
In all cases in which serious doubt exists as to the fitness for
export.
With regard to Tuberculosis, these regulations will have the effect of
preventing the export to this country of pork showing this disease "in any
degree," inasmuch as the standard laid down by the Royal Commission on
Tuberculosis, 1898, will be adopted by Inspecting Officers in the Netherlands.
Unfortunately, there has been some delay in fixing the date when these
regulations become operative. The 1st January of this year was the original date
fixed, but this has been postponed. In the meantime, the Local Government
Board have agreed to accept, until the 1st May, 1909, the labels scheduled in
these regulations as evidence of proper inspection, and the same have been
gazetted as "Official Certificates " inaccordance with the requirements of the
Public Health (Foreign Meat) Regulations, 1908.
When these Regulations come into force in the Netherlands it will mark a
great step in the system of Meat Inspection, and if carried out on the lines laid
down it will be of immense advantage to the trade of that country and to the
public here to have meat supplied with a guarantee of its freedom from disease.
At the same time it must not be forgotten that this meat is sold in
competition with the British and Colonial product, and that if this trade
rivalry is to be on a fair basis, the British farmer should, in his own interests,
insist upon the inspection and marking of his home-killed animals. In other
words, the public Abbatoir system is the only one which will sufficiently
protect, at the same time, the British producer and the public health.