Traceability markings for pigs cause trouble

German slaughterhouses request trace marks for pigs imported from the Netherlands. The practice of marking the animals is, however, forbidden in the Netherlands.

Last week, two pig exporters appeared before a judge in the Dutch city of Zwolle as their produce, which was destined for Germany, had traceability markings.

The markings remain on the pig's carcass and are a good method of identifying the origin of the meat.

Quite a number of pig exporters have run into difficulties with the law in the Netherlands over this problem. Hence, Piet Thijsse, chairman of the Dutch Livestock Trade Board (NBHV), has called on the government to meet with the German authorities to reach a compromise on the issue.

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Editor PigProgress