Document type : Press release from the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (OSAV, Switzerland)
Author: FSVO
Preview: The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (OSAV) has revised its Ordinance on the Protection of Animals at Slaughter (OPAnAb). The aim is to slaughter animals with as little suffering as possible. In particular, stunning methods have been altered in line with the latest scientific knowledge. In addition, the requirements apply for the first time to the slaughter of fish and walking decapods and to the stunning by gas of chickens and turkeys. The Ordinance enters into force on 1 January 2022.
The aim of this comprehensive revision is to better ensure animal welfare by further reducing the stress and suffering of animals during slaughter, both inside and outside abattoirs. In particular, the amendments take into account the results of a study conducted in 2018 and 2019 by the Federal Unit for the Agri-Food Chain (UCAL), entitled "Protection des animaux et contrôle des viandes dans les abattoirs" (animal protection and meat control in abattoirs). [...] The Ordinance will enter into force on 1 January 2022. A transitional period of ten years is granted to abattoirs that have to adapt their buildings. A transitional period of one year is anticipated for the introduction of the documentation on the CO2 stunning of pigs.
Press release published on fleischwirtschaft.com on 29 December 2021 : Animal welfare: Stricter rules in Switzerland
