In 2025, the European Union introduced two important amendments to the rules on meat inspection and official controls. Commission Implementing Regulations (EU) 2025/1447 and (EU) 2025/2241 both amend Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627, which sets the practical arrangements for official controls on products of animal origin under Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

Taken together, these changes aim to make meat inspection more targeted, reduce avoidable cross-contamination risks, and simplify procedures without lowering food safety standards. They also have direct relevance for exporting countries that place meat on the EU market.

In this article, our National Technical Lead for Exports, Georgios Kakarantzas, details these amendments.

Risk based post-mortem inspection
Post-mortem inspection remains a core task of official veterinarians in slaughterhouses. Incisions and palpations are still required when a potential risk to public health, animal health, or animal welfare is identified. However, the EU has clarified that these techniques should only be used where they are relevant to the abnormalities observed.

Under Regulation (EU) 2025/1447, the previous approach, where multiple incisions and palpations were routinely carried out once an abnormality was detected, has been revised. The new requirement limits these actions to organs and tissues that are necessary to assess the specific finding. The objective is clear. Incisions and palpations can increase the risk of spreading pathogens, so their use must be justified and proportionate.

These changes apply to veal, beef, sheep and goats, lamb, horses, and pigs, with amendments to Articles 18 to 23 of Regulation (EU) 2019/627.

Further simplification was introduced later in the year by Regulation (EU) 2025/2241. Based on practical experience and new evidence, the EU removed the obligation to palpate the gastric and mesenteric lymph nodes of cattle during routine post-mortem inspection. It also removed the requirement to incise the oesophagus of sheep and goats. These steps reflect a focus on inspections that genuinely contribute to disease detection and food safety.

Harmonisation for sheep and goats
Regulation (EU) 2025/2241 also addressed differences in post-mortem inspection rules linked to age. Previously, inspection requirements changed at six months for goats and at twelve months for sheep. Updated data showed no scientific justification for this difference. The EU has therefore aligned the rules so that the same requirements apply to both species from twelve months of age.

Food chain information
Effective official controls rely on accurate food chain information. EU law already requires farmers, slaughterhouses, and official veterinarians to exchange specific information before slaughter. Animals cannot enter the food chain if compulsory information is missing.

Regulation (EU) 2025/1447 extends these requirements to cover emergency slaughter and slaughter on farm. It also expands the scope to include game handling establishments. This follows earlier changes that allowed farmed game to be slaughtered at the place of origin and sent to approved establishments. The same level of information is now required to support official controls in these settings.

Health marks and game handling establishments
Health marks indicate that meat has passed official controls and is fit for human consumption. Until now, the practical arrangements for official controls and related activities set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627 referred only to slaughterhouses. Following the amendments to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, these arrangements should also apply to game handling establishments. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627 was therefore amended to align with Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 and to include the health marking of carcases in game handling establishments.

Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627 sets out the practical arrangements for the health mark in accordance with Article 48 of that Regulation. Point 1(c) of Annex II refers to the European Community rather than the European Union. Abbreviations referring to the European Union should therefore replace those referring to the European Community. To reduce the administrative burden for operators, a transitional period until 31 December 2028 is provided. During this period, products bearing a health mark with an abbreviation referring to the European Community may remain on the market.

In areas subject to disease restrictions, the standard health mark may be replaced by a special health mark linked to the relevant disease control measures. This clarification aligns meat inspection rules with the Animal Health Law, Regulation (EU) 2016/429.

Timelines and implications for exporters
Regulation (EU) 2025/1447 applies from 10 August 2025. Regulation (EU) 2025/2241 applies from 26 November 2025.

For exporting countries, the message is consistent. Competent authorities must apply official controls that are equivalent to EU requirements. This includes a risk- based approach to post-mortem inspection, full and reliable food chain information, and correct use of health or identification marks as reflected in EU export certificates under Regulation (EU) 2020/2235.

These amendments show a continued EU effort to refine meat inspection rules using evidence and experience, while maintaining a high level of protection for consumers and animal health.

You can find out more about our Export Health Certification services, here: Export Health Certification – E&J