European Union: New rules for ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections in slaughterhouses and farms

The Official Journal of the European Union has published Delegated Regulation ( EU ) 2025/687, which introduces key changes to ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections of animals intended for food in slaughterhouses and farms.

The new regulation amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/624 and tightens controls on certain animals depending on their origin or HEALTH status.

More testing of animals without confirmed health status

From the date of entry into force of the regulation,   cattle , sheep and goats from farms that do not have the status of being free from tuberculosis and brucellosis will have to undergo mandatory inspection both before and after slaughter.

Screening will also be mandatory for animals arriving from restricted areas or where additional control measures for emerging diseases or diseases listed by WHO are in place.

New rules for pre-slaughter inspections on farms

The Regulation details the cases in which ante-mortem inspection may be carried out on the farm of origin. Species such as farmed poultry, game, cattle, sheep, pigs and equids may benefit if certain conditions are met.

Among the new features:

• The health certificate may accompany the animal or be sent in advance in any format.
• The current templates for medical certificates are specified in Regulation (EU) 2020/2235.
• In the case of farmed game, slaughter may be authorised within 28 days of the certificate being issued if the game is sold directly in small quantities (maximum 50 animals per year per farm).

Greater regulatory consistency in certifications and exemptions

The text adapts legal references and certificates to avoid ambiguity. it replaces references to already repealed regulations and includes the new provisions of Regulation (EC) 853/2004, which regulates on-site slaughter and MEAT processing.

Technical adjustments in healthcare terminology

Although the Regulation is of lesser significance for operators, it also updates the official nomenclature of certain diseases. Thus, “tuberculosis” is replaced by “infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex” and “brucellosis” by “infection with Brucella abortus , B. melitensis and B. suis ”, in line with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/429.

Direct application in all Member States

The new regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication and will have direct effect in all EU countries. Operators will need to review their protocols to adapt them to the new requirements for testing, certification and documentation.