Welfare of animals

An EU Regulation relating to the welfare of animals at time of killing (WATOK) has come into force in the UK. 

This applies to those who work with animals and poultry in care, movement, preparation and slaughter to process food for human consumption, including operatives and Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs).

At the heart of this new regulation sits a proficiency qualification, which we at FDQ have had accredited by Ofqual. This means that we are now able to approve meat and poultry businesses and learning providers to deliver and assess this qualification. This qualification must be achieved by those in lairage and slaughter operations to be able to practice in this environment.

Once learners have achieved at time of assessment and received their qualification certificate (from FDQ), they can then apply for their Certificate of Competence from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in England and DARD in Northern Ireland.