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Click to view all ANIMAL WELFARE

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

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Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

Animal welfare is managed by competent people in accordance with company policies

MP.AW.1

Standards

An animal welfare policy for the site must be documented and communicated (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.1.a

A documented policy outlines the site’s objectives with regards to achieving and delivering standards of animal welfare and conforming to the scheme standard and relevant legislation

MP.AW.1.b

Policy signed off by relevant senior management

MP.AW.1.c

Policy communicated to relevant persons particularly those associated with the live animal transporters, lairage staff and slaughterers e.g. through training, posters, work instructions, staff handbook

MP.AW.1.d

The policy is reviewed annually (demonstrated with a signed and dated review) and kept up-to-date in line with legislation and best practice recommendations

Policy

MP.AW.2

Standards

Animal Welfare Officer(s) (AWO) must be on-site during operational hours and hold overall responsibility for Animal Welfare on the site (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.2.a

A documented management structure identifies those fulfilling role

MP.AW.2.b

A documented procedure details the responsibilities of the AWO including the need to keep a record of actions taken to improve animal welfare in the slaughterhouse

MP.AW.2.c

AWO(s): - hold appropriate Certificates of Competence for the species and operations they are responsible for - have sufficient authority to make decisions and take actions to safeguard welfare

Management structure/ organogram
Record of actions taken to improve animal welfare

MP.AW.3

Standards

There must be a sufficient number of trained and competent persons working within the lairage and slaughter areas during operational hours to care for and handle livestock (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.3.a

During operational hours competent persons oversee/ undertakes unloading, lairaging and slaughter

MP.AW.3.b

Arrangements are in place to ensure sufficient people are present during holidays/ sick leave

MP.AW.4

Standards

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) must be in place for each operation from animal intake to confirmation of death (New)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.4.a

Checks must be made that procedures are followed

MP.AW.4.b

Updates are introduced when new or changes to processes or procedures are introduced

MP.AW.4.c

Includes the maximum line speed at which animals can be put through to the stun point, humanely slaughtered and checks carried out

MP.AW.5

Standards

All staff involved in the care and handling of livestock must be trained and assessed as competent

How you will be measured

MP.AW.5.a

As required by legislation, persons that are responsible for or undertake the following roles, hold a Certificate of Competence relevant to the species: - the handling and care of animals before they are restrained - the restraint of animals for the purpose of stunning or killing - the stunning of animals - the assessment of effective stunning - the shackling or hoisting of animals - the bleeding of live animals and monitoring the absence of signs of life

MP.AW.5.b

Staff have been trained to procedures relevant to their roles. Training may include Certificate of Competence training delivered in house by an official training provider or by external training providers

MP.AW.6

Standards

The ongoing performance of staff who care for and handle livestock must be monitored and training updates or refresher training given as required

How you will be measured

MP.AW.6.a

Training needs for each role are established

MP.AW.6.b

Employee training needs are reviewed on a risk assessed frequency and where needed training and updates are given e.g. change in process, change in legislation

Training record

MP.AW.7

Standards

Systems must be in place to ensure appropriate, competent persons are contactable out of operational hours when livestock are on-site

How you will be measured

MP.AW.7.a

Person(s) contactable in the event of a problem/ emergency

MP.AW.7.b

The point of contact is a AWO or a competent member of staff who can contact an AWO at any time

Signs/ contact numbers

MP.AW.8

Standards

The AWO(s) must have access to a copy of the regulations and best practice recommendations relating to protecting the welfare of animals at the time of killing

How you will be measured

MP.AW.8.a

Access up-to-date copies of industry codes of practice/publications on stunning and killing

MP.AW.9

Standards

Welfare outcome scoring must be undertaken and recorded (New)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.9.a

Recorded for Red Tractor Assured cattle, sheep and pigs (as applicable)

MP.AW.10

Standards

Welfare Outcome scoring is undertaken on Red Tractor Assured cattle, sheep and pigs (as applicable) as per the Red Tractor Protocol (New)

Aim:

Facilities are fit for purpose; well designed, constructed, maintained and operated to protect the welfare of animals

MP.AW.11

Standards

Suitably designed and constructed unloading facilities must be provided (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.11.a

Designed in accordance with legislation and with regard to the livestock species being unloaded

MP.AW.11.b

Design of facilities to minimise risk of slipping, falling or injury (e.g. minimal ramp incline, ramp surfaces are non-slip)

MP.AW.11.c

For pigs, internal and external ramp angles do not exceed 20 degrees

MP.AW.11.d

Where necessary, species-specific bays are operated

MP.AW.11.e

Solid and secure unloading points prevent the escape of livestock

MP.AW.12

Standards

Walkways and the lairage must be designed and constructed to allow animals to move freely and without distraction in the required direction (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.12.a

The area facilitates the movement of livestock and does not present obstructions to livestock

MP.AW.13

Standards

Walkways and the lairage must be suitably designed and constructed to provide a suitable and safe environment for livestock

How you will be measured

MP.AW.13.a

The lairage provides a safe, hygienic and comfortable environment

MP.AW.13.b

The design of pens and gates allows inspection of livestock and reduces the risk of livestock becoming injured or escaping

MP.AW.14

Standards

Livestock areas have sufficient lighting to allow normal behaviours, effective handling and inspection

How you will be measured

MP.AW.14.a

The loading areas, walkways and pens are appropriately lit, to allow inspection and effective handling

MP.AW.14.b

If livestock are kept overnight, a period of low level lighting or darkness is provided to allow rest

MP.AW.15

Standards

Walkways, the lairage and any pens must be constructed and maintained in a manner that enables effective cleansing and disinfection (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.15.a

Sufficient drainage system to remove liquid debris

MP.AW.16

Standards

Walkways, the lairage and any pens used must be cleansed and disinfected regularly to minimise the risk of contamination

How you will be measured

MP.AW.16.a

Dedicated facilities are available in the lairage area to permit cleaning

MP.AW.16.b

Pens are thoroughly cleansed and disinfected at least weekly

MP.AW.16.c

No evidence of dried or built up manure, old-bedding or feed

MP.AW.17

Standards

The lairage must be suitably designed and constructed to provide appropriate thermal conditions for livestock (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.17.a

The lairage is ventilated to minimise high humidity, the build-up of odours and to maintain an ambient temperature

MP.AW.17.b

Ventilation may be natural or artificial

MP.AW.17.c

The lairage shelters livestock from adverse weather conditions. [For field lairage see AW.26 and AW.27]

MP.AW.17.d

The lairage has systems in place to cool animals to prevent overheating

MP.AW.17.e

Pig lairages have a system for misting pigs (or similar)

MP.AW.17.f

Misting system is used to calm pigs if necessary, provided it allows pigs to rest as appropriate

MP.AW.17.g

Misting system is not used if: - pigs show signs of cold stress (shivering) - the ambient temperature is below 5 degrees C

MP.AW.18

Standards

Ventilation must protect against extreme temperature, harmful levels of humidity and harmful levels of ammonia, be maintained and alarmed with regular testing (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.18.a

Ventilation maintained and effective

MP.AW.18.b

Where ventilation is controlled mechanically, failure activates an alarm and emergency back-up systems are available

MP.AW.18.c

Alarms are tested every seven days

MP.AW.19

Standards

In the event of ventilation equipment failure, contingency plans and corrective actions must be implemented (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.19.a

When necessary, emergency back-up systems are implemented

MP.AW.19.b

Records of routine maintenance, corrective actions and repairs are recorded

Corrective actions

MP.AW.20

Standards

Floors which livestock have access to must be designed, constructed and maintained in a manner that minimises the risk of slipping, falling or injury

How you will be measured

MP.AW.20.a

Includes loading ramps, walkways, pens, stun pens

MP.AW.20.b

Floor surfaces are sound and livestock can walk at ease

MP.AW.20.c

Design of any slats, mesh or grating are suitable for the species and do not cause livestock to slip, fall or cause foot injuries

MP.AW.20.d

Any drains that are accessible to livestock are well maintained, non-slip and are secured to prevent them being lifted by livestock

MP.AW.21

Standards

Livestock must not be subjected to avoidable, excessive or sudden noises (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.21.a

Efforts are made to minimise avoidable, excessive or sudden noises

MP.AW.21.b

A risk assessment is used to identify source of noise and ensure mitigating actions have been taken if required

MP.AW.21.c

Noises in the lairage environment do not cause livestock distress

MP.AW.21.d

No sustained animal vocalisation

MP.AW.22

Standards

Prior to kill, a daily, visual check of the livestock facilities to confirm that processing can commence safely and hygenically for both animals and staff must be carried out by a competent member of staff

How you will be measured

MP.AW.22.a

A visual check includes the unloading, lairage, handling, restraining and stunning facilities

MP.AW.22.b

If the visual check identifies an issue, this is recorded and corrective action is implemented

MP.AW.22.c

Where there is a risk to animal welfare the issue is addressed immediately, recorded and reported to an AWO and where necessary, production is halted until the problem is resolved or the affected area is not used

MP.AW.23

Standards

Where waiting pens are used, they must be of suitable design (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.23.a

The waiting or crowd pen has a well maintained non-slip level floor, solid sides with no sharp edges and encourages the flow of livestock directly to the place where they will be stunned/ killed

MP.AW.24

Standards

The facilities used for holding livestock for stunning must be suitably designed to allow effective stunning (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.24.a

The equipment or facilities present no sharp edges

MP.AW.24.b

The design or location facilitates movement of stunned animals to the sticking point to ensure the stun to stick time is minimised (and within the timescales prescribed in the relevant Appendix)

MP.AW.24.c

The design allows the stunning process to be monitored

MP.AW.24.d

Where restraining devices or individual stun pens are used: - entry to the pen encourages the flow of livestock into the pen - the equipment restricts livestock movement (forward, backwards or sideways), minimises livestock struggling and negates the need for animals to be carried or inverted - the equipment presents the animals head for effective stunning

MP.AW.24.e

Where group stunning pens are used: - entry to the pen encourages the flow of livestock into the pen - the size of the pen is adjustable so it provides appropriate working space to allow safe and effective stunning with minimal excitement of the animals

MP.AW.25

Standards

Group stunning pens must be operated by a minimum of two operatives (New)

Aim:

Where field lairages are used, they and the livestock within them are managed appropriately

MP.AW.26

Standards

Field lairages must be equipped with appropriate facilities to deliver welfare needs

How you will be measured

MP.AW.26.a

Field lairages provide livestock with protection from adverse weather conditions i.e. hedges, trees or man-made walls, banks, provide shade to livestock in hot weather and provide shelter in cold weather

MP.AW.26.b

Field lairages have a perimeter fence that is complete and structurally sound.

MP.AW.26.c

The fence: - prevents direct contact between abattoir livestock and other livestock - gives a 3 metre gap between abattoir and other livestock e.g. by double fencing - reduces the likelihood of escape

MP.AW.26.d

Fresh, clean drinking water is provided to livestock in water troughs.

MP.AW.26.e

Troughs are cleaned out as needed to ensure water is of suitable cleanliness

MP.AW.26.f

Hazards are inaccessible to livestock

MP.AW.26.g

Fixed or portable lighting is available to enable livestock to be seen at any time

MP.AW.27

Standards

Field lairages are effectively managed (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.27.a

Livestock are managed in batches and a control system ensures traceability is maintained for livestock lairaged in a field

MP.AW.27.b

Weeds are managed and the field is given a period of rest from livestock/ rotated as needed to enable grass to recover

MP.AW.27.c

Stocking densities are managed to ensure the field does not become excessively poached

MP.AW.27.d

The cleanliness of the animal does not deteriorate while in the field lairage

Traceability records

Aim:

Upon arrival all livestock are checked and their welfare is appropriately managed

MP.AW.28

Standards

The site must operate a system that ensures that livestock vehicles are unloaded without delay (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.28.a

If livestock cannot be unloaded immediately upon arrival, a risk assessed unloading sequence is decided

MP.AW.28.b

Risk assessment takes into consideration the species, journey times, climatic conditions, nature of the vehicle (superior vs standard) and signs of distress (those requiring swift slaughter and/or thos that deteriorate whilst being held)

MP.AW.28.c

Where livestock are held on the vehicle, their welfare is continuously monitored by the AWO to ensure appropriate action is taken (if required) to safeguard animal welfare

MP.AW.28.d

AWO raises any animal welfare concerns with the official veterinarian (OV)

MP.AW.28.e

For pigs, welfare checks are undertaken at a minimum every 30 minutes and more frequently when required e.g. in very hot weather and/or where there are mixed/unfamiliar groups

MP.AW.29

Standards

A record of the date and time of livestock arrival and unloading must be displayed and kept

How you will be measured

MP.AW.29.a

The information is recorded and kept in the lairage

MP.AW.29.b

A visible record is displayed until the animals are slaughtered (e.g. on a board in the lairage/ on the pen)

Pen record

MP.AW.30

Standards

A system must be in place to check the health and welfare of all livestock that come onto site at unloading or shortly after arrival (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.30.a

All livestock are checked at unloading or shortly after penning by a competent member of staff with the appropriate Certificate of Competence (CoC) - in the case of out of hours deliveries, the transporter may sign that livestock were in a fit condition at delivery, provided checks are undertaken by the first competent person to arrive on-site (note this does not override the need for transporters to check livestock upon unloading and report issues)

MP.AW.30.b

The checks made identify if livestock are showing signs of distress, pain or injury

MP.AW.31

Standards

A system must be in place to check the health and welfare of all livestock regularly whilst the livestock are on-site

How you will be measured

MP.AW.31.a

The checks made identify if livestock are showing signs of distress, pain or injury

MP.AW.32

Standards

A system must be in place to check the health and welfare of livestock that are lairaged out of hours (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.32.a

Livestock that are lairaged overnight, including weekends, are physically checked as a minimum every evening and every morning by a suitably trained and competent person

MP.AW.32.b

The checks made identify if livestock are showing signs of distress, pain or injury

MP.AW.33

Standards

Prompt appropriate action must be undertaken in the event of an animal arriving in distress, pain or injury or becoming distressed, injured or in-pain whilst on-site

How you will be measured

MP.AW.33.a

The issue is reported to the AWO and the unfit animal procedures are implemented immediately - the procedure outlines the action/s to be taken (including out-of-hours if applicable) and when they should be taken - actions may include segregation (in a different pen or the one it is in), limiting access to it, emergency killing - livestock are only moved if movement (or separation) will cause no further pain or distress

MP.AW.33.b

Relevant staff understand the actions to be taken

MP.AW.33.c

A record of identified issues is kept

Unfit animal procedure; details of when the procedure has been implemented

MP.AW.34

Standards

Appropriate facilities must be available on-site to segregate sick or injured livestock (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.34.a

A pen is identified and can be made available for use immediately

MP.AW.34.b

There is a means to identify the pen e.g. signs/ marker boards

MP.AW.34.c

Water is available and bedding (when appropriate) provided to livestock in segregation facilities

MP.AW.34.d

Where possible the pen situation allows the sight and sound of other animals, unless there are disease implications

MP.AW.35

Standards

Livestock that require emergency killing must be dealt with immediately by a competent person according to the site’s documented procedure

How you will be measured

MP.AW.35.a

The procedure identifies: - the equipment to be used for emergency slaughter and its location - who the welfare issue is reported to (i.e. AWO, official veterinarian) - who makes the decision to slaughter and who is responsible for the procedure being carried out correctly - who can slaughter the animal – including out of hours

MP.AW.35.b

Equipment for emergency slaughter is easily accessible.

Emergency killing procedure

Aim:

Livestock are grouped and held in the lairage in such a way their welfare is maintained

MP.AW.36

Standards

System must be in place to ensure livestock are penned at appropriate stocking densities to ensure animals are not overcrowded

How you will be measured

MP.AW.36.a

In situations approved by the AWO and where livestock will be held on-site for short time periods, the minimum space allowances in the relevant Appendix are adhered to

MP.AW.36.b

In all other situations, there is sufficient space in the pens to allow all livestock to lie down simultaneously, rise without difficulty and turn around

MP.AW.36.c

Space allowances are adjusted as a result of humidity, temperature and length of stay

MP.AW.37

Standards

Guidance must be provided to personnel who pen livestock, on the number of livestock each pen is capable of holding under normal conditions (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.37.a

The guidance is visible (e.g. on a board in the lairage/ on the pen) to relevant personnel (e.g. staff, hauliers and farmers)

MP.AW.37.b

The number may be a range or multiple figures for short, medium and long term (overnight) stays and different weights of stock

Pen records

MP.AW.38

Standards

Livestock must be grouped appropriately to avoid bullying, injury or distress

How you will be measured

MP.AW.38.a

The following categories of livestock are not mixed: - different species - pigs of different origin - animals of significantly different sizes or ages unless they are from the same farm and have been managed together - horned and un-horned cattle, unless they have arrived in the same group - sexually mature males and females, unless they have arrived in the same group

MP.AW.38.b

In the following cases, livestock are penned individually: - mature, entire bulls and rams, unless raised in compatible groups - boars over 6 months

MP.AW.38.c

Livestock that become aggressive/ start bullying one another are separated

MP.AW.39

Standards

Livestock must be provided with access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times whilst in the lairage

How you will be measured

MP.AW.39.a

Fresh, clean drinking water is provided to livestock in water troughs or appropriate drinkers (e.g. nipple drinkers for pigs)

MP.AW.39.b

Water supply is sufficient to cover times of peak demand

MP.AW.39.c

There is sufficient trough space/ drinkers for the number of livestock

MP.AW.39.d

Troughs/ drinkers are positioned so that all classes of livestock have access to them, whilst minimising the risk of fouling

MP.AW.39.e

Troughs are cleaned out as needed to ensure water is of suitable cleanliness

MP.AW.40

Standards

Suitable feed must be available and provided as necessary to meet welfare needs

How you will be measured

MP.AW.40.a

Suitable feed for the species is stored on-site or easily and quickly available (including out of hours)

MP.AW.40.b

Competent persons are responsible for identifying if feed needs to be provided to ensure welfare needs are met

MP.AW.40.c

Livestock to be lairaged overnight/ more than 12 hours are provided with feed on arrival and fed every 12 hours

MP.AW.40.d

Bought-in forages (e.g. hay, straw) sourced from merchants with a warranty declaration, or direct from farm with a record of supply details

MP.AW.40.e

Compound feeds (e.g. nuts) are sourced from assured suppliers or manufacturers (UFAS, FEMAS accredited or equivalent)

MP.AW.40.f

Where feed is stored on-site, it is stored in a way to avoid contamination

MP.AW.41

Standards

Where feed must be provided, it must be provided in a way that enables all livestock to take sufficient feed, presents no risk of injury and minimises the risk of fouling (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.41.a

Feed is provided in a suitable manner (e.g. racks or troughs which are of sufficient size and so positioned to allow animals reasonable access)

MP.AW.42

Standards

Bought-in feed purchase records must be kept

How you will be measured

MP.AW.42.a

Records detailing: - supplier name and for bagged, compound feed assurance details - date of delivery - feed type - volume

MP.AW.42.b

Warranty declarations are kept

MP.AW.42.c

Records kept for 2 years

Feed records

MP.AW.43

Standards

Livestock to be lairaged overnight/ for more than 12 hours are provided with a comfortable lying area that enables them to keep clean

How you will be measured

MP.AW.43.a

Suitable bedding for the species stored on-site or easily and quickly available (including out of hours)

MP.AW.43.b

The system used enables livestock to stay clean and rest through either: - the provision of bedding materials that are safe, suitable, legal - the provision of rubber matting or slats (used without bedding material), provided faeces/ urine may drain from the lying area

MP.AW.44

Standards

All pigs are provided with enrichment material whilst being held in lairage pens (New)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.44.a

Enrichment material is safe and hygenic

MP.AW.44.b

Enrichment is permanently available in lairage pens whilst pigs are present

MP.AW.44.c

Enrichment is not hazardous to pigs and root vegetables and other feed materials provided as enrichment are sourced in accordance with scheme feed standards. Mushroom compost, peat and recycled manure solids (“green bedding”) are not permitted

MP.AW.44.d

Pig interaction with environmental enrichment is not compromised by the amount provided, positioning, or size

MP.AW.44.e

Enrichment is not heavily soiled

Aim:

Livestock are handled in a way that avoids pain, injury and distress

MP.AW.45

Standards

Livestock must be handled appropriately to their species behaviour (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.45.a

Livestock are handled in a quiet manner, without frightening, excitement, mistreatment or force and are given sufficient time to react to use of passive coercion tools

MP.AW.45.b

Handlers do not: - cause any unnecessary pain or suffering to animals - strike or kick livestock - apply pressure to any sensitive parts of the animal’s body - lift or drag livestock never by the head, ears, horns, legs, tail or fleece - crush, twist or break the tail of any animal - use prods or other implements with pointed ends - overturn livestock - graps the eyes of any animal - throw or drop animals - rush livestock at unloading or when moving livestock to point of stunning

MP.AW.46

Standards

Livestock movements around the site must be kept to a minimum (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.46.a

Livestock are not moved unnecessarily around the lairage

MP.AW.46.b

Attempts to move livestock only made when there is a clear area for them to move into

MP.AW.46.c

Livestock are moved to the point of stunning only when they can be killed without delay

MP.AW.47

Standards

Handling aids used on-site must be suitable for the species and used appropriately (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.47.a

Handling aids are not used in such a way that they could cause pain, injury or distress

MP.AW.47.b

Handling aids permitted on-site include: - paddles, rattles, flags – used as an extension of the arm to guide livestock - boards (pigs) - mechanised gates

MP.AW.47.c

Electric goads are prohibited on all livestock except on adult cattle which refuse to move, but have room ahead of them to do so

MP.AW.48

Standards

Where electric goads are used, they must be used by competent persons in the correct manner (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.48.a

Aids which administer electric shocks are only used on adult cattle as a last resort by trained persons and are avoided where possible. Electric goads are: - kept in a specified location and only removed when required - only used on the muscles of the hindquarters. The shocks last no longer than 1 second and are adequately spaced

MP.AW.48.b

Each electric goad use is recorded including the animal it was applied to and the reason for its use

Electric goad usage records

Aim:

Livestock are effectively stunned and killed in a manner that ensures livestock feel no pain or distress

MP.AW.49

Standards

Livestock must be restrained appropriately before stunning and killing

How you will be measured

MP.AW.49.a

Held in facilities as required in AW.23 and AW.24

MP.AW.50

Standards

Bleeding without prior stunning is prohibited on livestock/product sold with a Red Tractor Assured claim (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.50.a

For livestock to retain their Red Tractor assurance status they must be pre-stunned and then exsanguinated (bled) in accordance with current legislation, best practice guidelines and the site's standard operating procedures

MP.AW.50.b

Stunning is effective in ensuring unconsciousness until death supervenes through exsanguination

MP.AW.50.c

The site’s procedures outline the different requirements for different species, categories of animals (e.g. calves, adult bulls) and slaughter lines

MP.AW.50.d

The methods outlined in the Appendix are used

MP.AW.50.e

For each method used, specific parameters outlined in the relevant Appendix are adhered to

Standard operating procedures

MP.AW.51

Standards

Captive bolt stunning equipment used is designed to ensure an effective stun

How you will be measured

MP.AW.51.a

The correct cartridge is used for the stunner, size and species of animal

MP.AW.51.b

Animals are stunned , in the correct position

MP.AW.51.c

Manufacturer’s instructions are followed

MP.AW.52

Standards

Electrical stunning equipment is designed to ensure an effective stun

How you will be measured

MP.AW.52.a

The voltage and current (under load) is visible to those operating or monitoring the process

MP.AW.52.b

The equipment incorporates an audible or visible device indicating the length of application to an animal

MP.AW.52.c

Where required by legislation, the system records voltages and currents. Records are kept for at least 1 year

Electrical stunning/ killing records

MP.AW.53

Standards

Gas stunning equipment used for pigs is designed to maintain welfare and ensure an effective stun and kill

How you will be measured

MP.AW.53.a

The equipment is designed to: - measure, display and record gas concentrations and the time of exposure - maintain gas concentration - allow pigs to be monitored in the stunner and accessed without delay - allow atmospheric air to be promptly flushed through the stunner - avoid compression of the chest of a pig - enable a pig to remain upright during consciousness - enable a pig to see other pigs as it is conveyed through the stunner - allow pigs to see their surroundings (through lighting)

MP.AW.53.b

Systems are in place, visibly and audibly to alert an operator of drops in gas concentration and equipment failure

MP.AW.53.c

Records are kept for at least one year

MP.AW.53.d

Manufacturer’s instructions are followed

Gas concentration and exposure records

MP.AW.54

Standards

Every animal is checked for signs of an effective stun/ kill with re-stuns carried out where the primary stun was ineffective

How you will be measured

MP.AW.54.a

Signs of an effective stun monitored through till death

MP.AW.54.b

Livestock are re-stunned without delay, where applicable using an alternative appropriate method

MP.AW.55

Standards

All re-stuns/ double stuns are recorded (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.55.a

Record details the date, operative and equipment used

MP.AW.55.b

Records show the reason for the miss stun and actions taken if necessary

Double stun records

MP.AW.56

Standards

Livestock must be exsanguinated or bled without delay

How you will be measured

MP.AW.56.a

Stun to stick times are as short as possible (but long enough to allow an assessment of stun effectiveness), and as a maximum do not exceed those defined within the site’s documented procedures or the relevant Appendix

MP.AW.56.b

As a minimum the two carotid arteries and the jugular veins (or the vessels from which they arise) are severed

Documented procedures

MP.AW.57

Standards

It is recommended that livestock are bled with a chest (thoracic stick)

MP.AW.58

Standards

Livestock must be left to bleed and no further dressing procedures undertaken until the bleeding has ended and it has been verified that the animal has no signs of life

How you will be measured

MP.AW.58.a

Dressing procedures include (but are not limited to) scalding or electrical simulation

MP.AW.58.b

The following times elapse before any dressing procedures are undertaken: - cattle 30 seconds - sheep and goats 20 seconds - pigs 90 seconds

MP.AW.58.c

Line speed allows for verification that an animal is showing no signs of life prior to dressing

Aim:

Back-up stunning equipment is available and used as needed, but where there is a system failure, immediate action is undertaken to ensure welfare is not compromised

MP.AW.59

Standards

A suitable alternative method of stunning is available and ready for immediate use should the primary stunning equipment fail

How you will be measured

MP.AW.59.a

Available at the stun and bleed points

MP.AW.59.b

The method is as outlined in the Appendix

MP.AW.59.c

The method is ready for immediate use

MP.AW.60

Standards

Where there is a recurring need to use the stun back-up method, the line must be stopped immediately, the root cause established and corrective action undertaken

How you will be measured

MP.AW.60.a

A record of when the back-up device is used, root cause and corrective action taken is kept

Back-up stun use records

Aim:

Stunning and killing equipment is well maintained to facilitate rapid and effective stunning and killing

MP.AW.61

Standards

Equipment used to restrain, stun and kill must be maintained in good repair and effective working order

How you will be measured

MP.AW.61.a

All equipment used (including back-up equipment) is maintained to be effective and parts replaced according to manufacturer’s guidance and as necessary

MP.AW.61.b

Equipment replaced as necessary if faults cannot be rectified, or recurring issues impacting on welfare occur

MP.AW.61.c

Maintenance is undertaken in accordance with maintenance clauses in the Food Safety Module, and includes complete records of all maintenance

MP.AW.61.d

Manufacturer instructions are held/ accessible to the responsible person and followed

Maintenance records

MP.AW.62

Standards

Stunning equipment must be calibrated to ensure it works effectively

How you will be measured

MP.AW.62.a

Equipment calibration is undertaken in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. For electrical equipment this involves calibrating the current and frequency; for gas this involves verifying gas levels and timings and calibrating sensors

MP.AW.62.b

The site’s documented procedure identifies frequencies of verification or calibration and critical limits that are required

MP.AW.62.c

At least annually, equipment is verified/ calibrated by an independent party

MP.AW.62.d

Records of verification/ calibration, including any corrective actions are kept

Calibration records, documented procedures

Aim:

Livestock welfare is not compromised in the event of the slaughter line stopping

MP.AW.63

Standards

Plans must be in place and implemented as necessary for handling livestock in the event of slaughter line stoppage or breakdown

How you will be measured

MP.AW.63.a

Plan details when the contingency plan should be implemented, e.g. when the breakdown is such that all livestock scheduled for slaughter that day, cannot be and action is necessary

MP.AW.63.b

A plan is in place detailing the actions to be taken for dealing with livestock on-site: - livestock in the stunning pen/ moving to the stunning pen are removed and re-lairaged - livestock already stunned are humanely killed

MP.AW.63.c

A plan is in place detailing the actions to be taken for dealing with livestock due on-site. - the situations that might result in lorries being diverted from the site, and where they would go - where an off-site lairage/ collection centre/ farm is used, the site is certified to the relevant assurance scheme - plan includes the process to be followed to stop the collection of livestock from farm

MP.AW.63.d

The plan is documented and understood by relevant staff

Slaughter line breakdown contingency plan

Aim:

Welfare incidents that occur on-site are recorded and reviewed to prevent reoccurence

MP.AW.64

Standards

The AWO must maintain a record of all serious welfare incidents that occur on-site

How you will be measured

MP.AW.64.a

A serious incident is defined as: - where acute distress, injury or pain is caused to an animal (including if an animal arrives in that condition) e.g. where an animal escapes, becomes entrapped, or is killed in the lairage/ on a vehicle - a recurring welfare issue caused by a supplier or transporter - catastrophic or ongoing equipment failure which has an impact on animal welfare

Welfare incidents

MP.AW.65

Standards

You must contact Red Tractor and your Certification Body immediately if an emergency situation affects or threatens to affect the welfare of a significant number of livestock (New)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.65.a

In an emergency situation affecting animal welfare, the official veterinarian (OV) and/or AWO is contacted first as a priority

MP.AW.65.b

An emergency situation includes, but is not limited to: - an incident which may have a reputational impact on Red Tractor through a serious breach of the scheme standards that could/has attracted media interest e.g. undercover footage - identification of a break in the Red Tractor assurance chain where animals are destined to be packed with a Red Tractor claim and are being held - an event which has significantly impacted on the site’s slaughtering capacity/process, and which is impacting the supply chain

MP.AW.66

Standards

Persistent and recurring welfare incidents (poor performance) relating to a Red Tractor Assured farm and/or transport member are reported to Red Tractor (New)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.66.a

Poor performance includes: - poor handling of livestock by a Red Tractor Assured member - recurring welfare incident of livestock received from the same farm or transported by the same haulage company which are: - dirty - lame - dead on arrival - in the last 10% of pregnancy, or have given birth in the last week - emaciated - injured/open wounds (including tail bitten pigs) - unfit/unable to walk/stand

MP.AW.66.b

Poor performance includes reporting of FSA Annex 4 reports

MP.AW.67

Standards

Each serious welfare incident must be investigated and appropriate corrective action implemented

How you will be measured

MP.AW.67.a

The root cause of each incident is determined

MP.AW.67.b

Appropriate corrective action is implemented

MP.AW.67.c

Where the cause of the incident is within the business’s control (e.g. the cause is related to the site or staff) corrective action may include staff retraining, repairs

MP.AW.67.d

Where the cause of the incident is outside of the business’s control, corrective action may include reporting the incident to relevant interested parties, including (but not limited to): - the farmer, haulier or market - Red Tractor - Official Veterinarian - Local Authority - equipment manufacturer

MP.AW.68

Standards

A record of the investigation, findings and any corrective action undertaken must be recorded, held by the AWO and reported to relevant senior management

How you will be measured

MP.AW.68.a

Record includes: - description of incident - who undertook the investigation - findings, including the root cause - details of any corrective action

Aim:

Checks are made to verify that animal welfare is being maintained and managed in accordance with site policies and procedures

MP.AW.69

Standards

Regular internal auditing must be undertaken across the site to establish whether all welfare procedures, from unloading through to bleeding, are effective and working

How you will be measured

MP.AW.69.a

A risk assessed schedule/ documented plan outlines the areas to be audited and frequency of auditing - over a period of a year all relevant procedures and areas are seen - the frequency of auditing is based on how regularly the facilities are used and previous audit results

MP.AW.69.b

The person undertaking the audit is suitably qualified, holding the appropriate Certificate of Competence and may be in-house or an external appointment

Internal auditing records

MP.AW.70

Standards

The results of monitoring and internal auditing must be kept and any issues acted upon promptly

How you will be measured

MP.AW.70.a

A record of internal audits (including who undertook the audit) is kept

MP.AW.70.b

Where the monitoring identifies an issue: - it is addressed immediately (i.e. livestock in the sample stunned effectively with back-up equipment immediately and if necessary the slaughter line halted until the problem has been resolved) - the root cause is identified - corrective action implemented

MP.AW.70.c

A record of the monitoring, result and any corrective action is recorded, held by the AWO and reported to relevant senior management

MP.AW.71

Standards

A CCTV system must be in operation which is used to review practices and behaviours around key welfare activities

How you will be measured

MP.AW.71.a

A CCTV system with a complete and clear view of all the following areas where there are live animals: - unloading - the lairage - movement of livestock from the lairage to stunning system - handling - restraining - stunning - sticking and bleeding

MP.AW.71.b

CCTV operational and recording at all times when and where there are live animals in the abattoir

MP.AW.71.c

CCTV maintained and in good working order

MP.AW.71.d

CCTV capable of constant recording so that images can be produced for inspection without stopping the overall operation of the system

MP.AW.71.e

Documented procedures detail how the footage will be reviewed and used to review practices and behaviours around key welfare activities

MP.AW.71.f

CCTV footage is kept securely for a minimum of 90 days and is only accessible by nominated staff

MP.AW.71.g

CCTV system capable of storing, processing and transmitting (for example moving to removable storage devices or showing on a television monitor) images and information of the same quality as the original recording

MP.AW.71.h

CCTV images are available on request

MP.AW.71.i

Employees are informed that CCTV is in use and sign to say that they understand it is in use

Staff understanding that CCTV is in use; documented procedures

MP.AW.72

Standards

Staff must be assessed, supervised, checked or observed to ensure they use handling aids correctly

How you will be measured

MP.AW.72.a

Assessment by an AWO or approved trainer

MP.AW.72.b

Methods may include a visual assessment, a review of CCTV footage, measurement of the percentage of animals goaded/ struck, measurement of the number of times the aid was used, etc.

MP.AW.72.c

A record of the assessment (including who undertook the task and who was assessed, etc.), results and any corrective action (e.g. staff retraining) is kept

MP.AW.73

Standards

The effectiveness of stunning and killing for each species and slaughter line must be regularly assessed, supervised, checked or observed

How you will be measured

MP.AW.73.a

Assessment in accordance with a documented schedule: - the frequency is based on the number of livestock slaughtered - the different personnel involved in the stunning and killing of livestock to ensure all are included - undertaken by a person with competency for the task they are assessing

MP.AW.73.b

Methods may include (but are not limited to) recording and reviewing re-stuns; watching and timing of stunning and slaughter; stun assurance monitor (or equivalent), review of CCTV footage

Aim:

Livestock vehicles are cleansed and disinfected and don't pose a biosecurity risk

MP.AW.74

Standards

Vehicles that unload livestock at the site must be cleansed and disinfected after use

How you will be measured

MP.AW.74.a

Vehicles that unload cattle, sheep and goats: - are cleansed and disinfected on-site - or farmer/haulier completes a declaration confirming they will cleanse and disinfect elsewhere

Declarations to clean off site/ site cleanliness check records

MP.AW.75

Standards

Vehicles that unload pigs at the site must be cleansed and disinfected on-site (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.75.a

Declarations to clean offsite are not permitted under this scheme for pig deliveries

MP.AW.75.b

Vehicles used for pigs are spot checked against a risk assessed schedule to assess cleanliness.

MP.AW.75.c

A sample of lorries are spot checked for visual cleanliness and using a wipe test with paper towelling by a person other than the driver, before they leave the site.

MP.AW.75.d

Records of cleanliness checks kept by the site for a minimum of 12 months

Site cleanliness check records

MP.AW.76

Standards

A vehicle wash facility must be available and useable during all times of the year the site is in operation

How you will be measured

MP.AW.76.a

Available and useable during the times of year the site is operated (i.e. year-round operating sites are able to offer wash facilities during winter and normal freezing conditions)

MP.AW.76.b

Facility available for use at all times or at times pre-agreed with users

MP.AW.77

Standards

The wash facility must be suitably managed and maintained

How you will be measured

MP.AW.77.a

Responsible person contactable during the hours the facility is open

MP.AW.77.b

Bays are left clean and tidy after use

MP.AW.77.c

There are systems in place to investigate issues raised by users

MP.AW.78

Standards

The wash facility must be of suitable design to allow effective cleaning of vehicles and cabs and avoids cross contamination (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.78.a

The location of the facility poses no risk of cross contamination to livestock or impact upon animal welfare at any point

MP.AW.78.b

The area is: - on hard-standing (concrete, tarmac or similar) and capable of cleansing and disinfection - sufficient drainage systems for handling water and debris, with a suitable gradient that allows water to drain out and away from the vehicle

MP.AW.79

Standards

Sites that receive deliveries of pigs, systems are in place to prevent cross contamination between clean and dirty vehicles

How you will be measured

MP.AW.79.a

Where multiple wash bays are in use, systems are in place to avoid cross contamination between dirty and clean vehicles by direct water spray e.g. use of bays separated by time, space or physical barriers

MP.AW.80

Standards

Suitable, functioning equipment must be available for use at the wash facility (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.80.a

Equipment is designed to operate effectively

MP.AW.80.b

Equipment is capable of effective cleaning and may include tools other than hose pipes

MP.AW.80.c

Equipment is dedicated to the wash facility

MP.AW.80.d

Equipment is useable in normal winter conditions

MP.AW.80.e

Equipment is suitable for the type of vehicles that come onto site (i.e. able to reach the top deck of a multi deck lorry as applicable)

MP.AW.80.f

Equipment is capable of providing sufficient volume or pressure of water as needed

MP.AW.80.g

Equipment includes lighting that enables the interior, exterior and cab of the vehicle to be seen (if the facility is used in the dark)

MP.AW.81

Standards

A supply of water must be available for use at the wash facility (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.81.a

Water is available at all the pre-agreed times

MP.AW.81.b

When a site is used in winter months, its water supply is protected/ useable in normal winter frosts (with exceptions for extreme abnormal conditions)

MP.AW.82

Standards

Approved disinfectants must be available for use along with application equipment at the wash facility (Revised)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.82.a

Disinfectants used are approved by Defra (or equivalent)

MP.AW.82.b

Disinfectants are used in line with the manufacturers instructions and are relevant to the species, disease risk and any movement license requirements

MP.AW.82.c

Disinfectants are diluted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and where applicable at General Orders Rates

MP.AW.82.d

Chemical datasheets for disinfectants on-site are easily accessible to relevant staff or users

Chemical datasheets

MP.AW.83

Standards

It is recommended that sufficient wash bays are provided (Recommendation)

How you will be measured

MP.AW.83.a

Sufficient for the number of vehicles that come onto the site, so that all vehicles can cleanse and disinfect on-site

MP.AW.83.b

Sufficient to cope with peaks in demand

MP.AW.84

Standards

Wastes from the vehicle washing facility are stored and disposed of appropriately

How you will be measured

MP.AW.84.a

Dirty water is stored in a non-permeable store and disposed of via a waste contractor, or where appropriate disposed to mains systems

MP.AW.84.b

Bedding materials and manure are stored and disposed of by a waste contractor

Waste disposal records