Document type: technical report published in EFSA Supporting Publication
Authors: EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), Kondrashova J, Candiani D, Manakidou A, Van der Stede Y, and Fabris C
Abstract in French (translation): Stunning of heavy pigs: exchange with EFSA’s scientific network of National Contact Points (NCPs)
The network of National Contact Points responsible for providing scientific support under Article 20 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing (the scientific NCP network) comprises representatives designated at the national level by Member States, including EFTA countries. At the annual meeting in March 2026, an exercise was conducted to gather general information from network members regarding the electrical stunning of heavy pigs via the head. Prior to the meeting, a questionnaire was sent to network members requesting information at the national level on the definition of heavy pigs, the average size of a heavy pig, the number of slaughterhouses slaughtering heavy pigs, and the methods used for slaughtering them. A structured discussion of the information provided took place during the network’s annual meeting, during which network members offered additional clarifications. Considerable variability was observed from one country to another regarding the definition and classification of heavy pigs. In addition, limitations were identified in the available data on the number of slaughterhouses processing large pigs, particularly where no centralized database exists. The results of the network’s discussion are considered background information for EFSA experts’ scientific assessment and the development of the corresponding scientific opinion.
Preview:
The Network of the National Contact Points for scientific support under Art 20 of Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 on the protection of the animals at the time of killing (scientific NCPs Network) includes nationally appointed representatives of Members States, including EFTA Countries. During annual meeting in March 2026, an exercise was performed to collect general information from Network members related to head-only electrical stunning of heavy pigs. Prior to the meeting, a form was sent to the Network members requesting information at national level on definition of heavy pigs, average size of a heavy pig, amount of slaughterhouses slaughtering heavy pigs, and methods used to slaughter heavy pigs. A structured discussion on the information provided took place during the Network annual meeting where Network members added further clarification. Considerable variability was observed across countries regarding the definition and classification of heavy pigs. In addition, limitations were identified in the available data on the number of slaughterhouses processing heavy pigs, mainly where a centralised database is absent. The outcomes of the Network discussion are considered as background information for the scientific assessment of EFSA experts, and the development of the relevant scientific opinion.
