Digital Tracking Becomes Obligation for Slaughterhouses: The Entire Process Will Be Monitored with a Camera

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has prepared a new draft regulation for slaughterhouses that produce animal food. With the changes planned to be made within the scope of the “Regulation on Special Hygiene Rules for Foods of Animal Origin”, it is aimed to strengthen traceability and control mechanisms in the production process. Digital Tracking System from Farm to Table Within the scope of the prepared regulation, the slaughter process of animals will be monitored with digital systems from the beginning to the end of the production phase.

While the movements of animals are recorded with the electronic tag application, live animals, carcasses and by-products in slaughterhouses will also be tracked through the system. In addition, it is planned to establish an infrastructure that allows monitoring of personnel movements in slaughterhouses. Imaging Systems Will Be Mandatory According to the new draft regulation, it will be mandatory to install high-resolution camera systems in slaughterhouses.

It is envisaged that these systems will view animal waiting areas and slaughter areas from a wide angle and keep records for at least one month. New standards are also being introduced regarding the equipment to be used in slaughterhouses. It will be mandatory to use fixing systems that do not harm animals, do not contain sudden movements, operate silently and have non-slip floors. The regulation also includes ensuring that the equipment does not contain sharp edges and is positioned appropriately.

A System Will Be Established for Poultry Counting. In the draft regulation, it is also planned to establish a separate system for digitally tracking the number of slaughtered poultry. Thus, it is aimed to make production data more transparent and auditable. The main goal of the regulation is to ensure traceability of the entire process in animal food production, from the farm to the consumer, and to strengthen hygiene standards with digital control.