EU Regulation (EC) No 1760/2000 - Identification and Registration of Bovine Animals and Labelling of Beef

What it says

This Regulation establishes a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and for the labelling of beef and beef products. Animals must be identified with ear tags and registered, and beef must carry labelling information that allows it to be traced to the animal or group of animals, such as a reference number, the country of slaughter and cutting, and the origin of the animal.

Paraphrased for plain-language clarity. Always verify against the current published regulation text.

What it means in practice

• It was introduced after the BSE crisis to restore consumer confidence through traceability.
• Slaughterhouses and cutting plants must keep the link between the meat and the animal's identity.
• Mislabeling of origin is a breach even when the meat is safe.

What inspectors look for

• Whether animals are identified and registered.
• Whether labeling carries the required traceability data.
• Whether records link meat to animals.

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