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Minced Meat and Mechanically Separated Meat

Here you can find information and legislation about minced meat and mechanically separated meat (MSM)

The current regime of hygiene rules was adopted in April 2004 by the European Parliament and the Council and became applicable on the 1st January 2006. This collection of legislation is often referred to as ‘The hygiene package’ and it aims to introduce consistency and clarity throughout the food production chain from 'farm to fork'.

The ‘hygiene package’ is comprised of rules on the following:


Requirements for production establishments

Requirements for raw materials - minced meat

Requirements for raw materials - Meat Preparations

Requirements for raw materials - Mechanically separated meat (MSM)

Hygiene during and after production

Microbiological criteria for mechanically separated meat 

Additional requirements for the labelling of Minced Beef