MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

EU inspector to check abattoir next January.

The European Union resident veterinary inspector for Mercosur will be travelling to the Falklands in the second half of next January, the first step in a long ?and expected-- process to enable Falklands lamb and beef to be marketed in Europe.

Interviewed by Mercopress in Montevideo Dr. Ivo Filippini said that Dr. Pointing, Falklands Chief Veterinary Officer, has made all the arrangements for his trip, via Chile, next January, adding he was looking forward to his coming visit to the Islands.

"I will be visiting the abattoir, farms, checking the beef and lamb selling process, Veterinary services, but it will be all technical", indicated Dr. Filippini.

As to how long the certification process could take, Dr. Filippini said "tentatively, we can talk of three to four months, remember this is the first time we're visiting the Islands".

After leaving the Falklands Dr. Filippini has a month to write his Draft report which will be addressed to the Dublin Veterinary Inspection Office. Another month for any observations to the Draft report, and then the Final Report, which will then be considered by the Standing Veterinary Committee in Brussels with representatives from the European Union fifteen member countries.

Dr. Filippini said his original idea had been to travel next November but other inspection engagements in Argentina and Brazil forced a delay in the Falklands trip.

"Besides, my technical work can be done in three days and I believe that because of air schedules it means spending eight to ten days away from my office in Montevideo, which for me is a long time".

When asked about the Falklands request to be considered free of foot and mouth disease, given that the current United Kingdom FAM restrictions are extensive to British Overseas Territories, Dr. Filippini indicated that his mission is completely independent, "and has nothing to do with that request".

If the abattoir built following European standards is finally certified for the sale of beef and lamb to the European Union, the Falklands could also begin supplying the MPA compound where British Forces are stationed.