UPDATE: Hungarian poultry processors face tighter sanctions

The new proposals follow criticism of British poultry processing giant Bernard Matthews for continuing to trade from its UK facility in Holton following a H5N1 outbreak at the site in January. As required by the EU, Bernard Matthews imposed an EU-regulated protection zone around the site to prevent the disease from spreading further.

Despite the protection zone being put in place however, 900 mt of poultry meat had still passed through the site. 93 mt of this meat came from Hungary, linked through genetic testing as the source of the original infection at the Bernard Matthews farm.

Hungarian domestic poultry stocks are once again free of the deadly H5N1 virus, following the outbreak. Under the new policy, any company found to contravene these requirements could as a result face a year long suspensions from operating, as well significant fines.

The government is keen to adopt the measures to increase pressure on the country’s processors to meet food safety standards.

Related articles:

Bernard Matthews Hungarian connection confirmed

British, Hungarian bird flu outbreaks linked

Bird flu in southeast Hungary

Britain hit with H5N1 bird flu

For the latest poultry news, subscribe here.