S.L. 437.58 чл. 24Duties of veterinarians in the slaughter-house.

The official veterinarian of a slaughterhouse must:

(a) if he suspects or has evidence that the animals concerned have been subjected to illegal treatment or that unauthorized substances or products have been administered to them:

(i) arrange for the animals to be slaughtered separately from other batches of animals arriving at the slaughterhouse;

(ii) impound the carcasses and offal and carry out all sampling procedures necessary to detect the substances in question;

(iii) if positive results are obtained, send the meat and offal to a high-risk processing plant as defined by Directive 90/667/EEC, without indemnity or compensation. In that event, rules 20 to 23 shall apply;

(b) if the suspects or has evidence that the animals concerned have been subjected to an authorized treatment but that the withdrawal periods have not been complied with, postpone slaughter of the animals until he can be satisfied that the quantity of residues does not exceed the permitted levels. This period may in no circumstances be less than the withdrawal period laid down in point (b) of Article 6(2) of Directive 96/22/EC for the substances in question, or than the withdrawal periods provided for in the marketing authorization. However, in an emergency or where required for the well-being of the animals, or if the infrastructure or equipment of the slaughterhouse is such that slaughter cannot be deferred, the animals may be slaughtered before the end of the ban or postponement period. The meat and offal shall be impounded pending the outcome of the official checks carried out by the slaughterhouse’s official veterinarian. Only meat and offal containing a quantity of residues not exceeding the permitted levels shall be used for human consumption;

(c) declare unfit for human consumption carcasses and products in which the residue level exceeds the levels authorized by Community or local laws.