The Delivery of Meat Official Controls in England and Wales

The Food Standards Agency (FSA), is the Central Competent Authority for the delivery of official controls on food in England and Wales. The main objective of the Agency in carrying out its functions is to protect public health from risks which may arise in connection with the consumption of food (including risks caused by the way in which it is produced or supplied) and otherwise to protect the interests of consumers in relation to food.

The current Contract for the provision of Official Veterinarians and Official Auxiliaries for the verification of compliance with legislation through inspection and health marking in FSA Approved Meat Establishments in England and Wales, will expire 31st March 2020.

The services currently required are:

• The provision of contract Official Veterinarians and contract Official Axillaries to undertake the delivery of official controls in accordance with EC and UK law in FSA approved meat establishments (slaughterhouses, cutting plants and approved game handling establishments).
• Delivery of services on behalf of Other Government Departments as detailed in the Manual of Official Controls.
• Inspection and Examination of animals destined for export to third countries and EU non-harmonised countries and certification of export health certificates.

Due to the uncertainties of EU Exit, there will be a requirement for some flexibility in a future contract, this may include delivering pilots, other commodities and innovation in delivery.

The Tender lots will be geographically split across 3 Regions; 1. North of England 2. Wales and the West of England 3. East of England. Final Tender lots are to be confirmed. The maximum number of lots that will be awarded to one tenderer will be specified in the Invitation to Tender.

Please be advised that the tender for this contract will be published towards the end of June 2019 rather than the beginning of June 2019, as previously stated at the supplier day, which was held on Monday 25th March. The tender period will be open until late August and contract award still planned for December/January.