Document type: answer to a question published in the Journal Officiel de la République Française on the website of theAssemblée nationale
Authors: Question: M. Karim Benbrahim (Loire-Atlantique (1st district) - Socialistes et apparentés). Answer: Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty
Question: Mr. Karim Benbrahim questions the Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty on how slaughter conditions a are monitored and controlled in abattoirs. Recent witness statements, investigations and reports on the slaughter conditions of animals in certain abattoirs have brought to light practices that have created concern among citizens committed to animal welfare, rousing them to respond. In the light of these revelations, it would appear essential to ensure transparency over the methods used to slaughter animals in French abattoirs. While there is no question of casting suspicion on all abattoirs, it does appear important to ensure that controls on abattoirs are effective, so that the State can identify those establishments that do not comply with French regulations, in the interests of animal welfare, but also in the interests of the profession. The conditions under which animals are slaughtered must be subject to rigorous, regular checks to ensure compliance with all the standards required by the regulations. He therefore asks what measures have been put in place to carry out this monitoring, and what steps are envisaged to strengthen the resources allocated to the government departments responsible for carrying out such controls. Building a sustainable agriculture and agri-food industry is essential to the ecological transition that must be achieved.
Answer: It should first be pointed out that, despite the sometimes shocking nature of the images broadcast from French abattoirs by certain groups, the narrative put forward by these associations is often exaggerated compared with the actual facts on the ground. In truth, in the latest videos posted online, although actions are shown in relation to animal handling and the operation of certain equipment that do not comply with the norms, these videos show neither animals being butchered while still alive, nor any serious abuse, contrary to reports in the press. Slaughtering animals is one of the most closely monitored economic activities in any sector. Government agents are permanently on hand to carry out checks at all stages of slaughter. This monitoring activity currently involves the equivalent of 1,265 full-time posts in French abattoirs. Agents from the DDPPs (departmental directorates in charge of population protection), who are on duty in abattoirs on a daily basis, carry out regular checks on meat quality, production hygiene and animal welfare. Further, full animal protection audits are carried out at least once a year, or more frequently if the abattoir is identified as posing a particular risk. Reports are made of these inspections and, where necessary, proportionate administrative and penal setps are then taken, up to and including closure of the establishment. The Direction Générale de l'Alimentation (DGAL) monitors abattoirs at national level and, since early 2022 , has strengthened its capacity to intervene by setting up a national inspection force (FINA) to support local government services in the most complex cases. This force, which was formed as part of the 2021 abattoir plan referred to in the question, can be brought in at the request of the Departmental Prefect, who alone has the power to decide on the closure of an abattoir. To date, FINA has intervened at 26 abattoirs, taking the steps necessary to bring them into conformity with the regulations. Where serious failings are found, administrative procedures (suspension of an establishment's licence, closure, etc.) may be implemented, along with legal penalties. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty is particularly aware of the current lack of trust directed towards abattoirs, but is also fully aware of the indispensable role they play in the food chain. It remains steadfast in its determination to provide the full level of responsiveness required to maintain citizens' confidence in the abattoir system, and to impose sanctions proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the failings observed on operators who fail to comply with the animal protection requirements that apply to all. The survival of the meat industry depends on this.
