Sanitary Regulation on the Slaughter of Food-Producing Animals (Supreme Decree No. 015-2012-AG)

Supreme Decree No. 015-2012-AG, published on November 10, 2012, approves the Sanitary Regulation on the Slaughter of Food-Producing Animals. It establishes mandatory technical and sanitary requirements for public and private individuals and entities involved in slaughterhouse operations and in the slaughter, handling, primary processing, storage and marketing of carcasses, meat and edible offal intended for human consumption. The regulation governs sanitary authorization and registration of slaughterhouses, location and operating conditions, hygiene and sanitation requirements, animal handling and welfare, ante-mortem and post-mortem sanitary examinations, veterinary supervision, product identification and the disposal of meat and offal deemed unfit for human consumption. It establishes obligations for slaughterhouse operators and assigns the National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA) responsibility for assessing, inspecting and monitoring compliance with sanitary requirements. Its purpose is to contribute to the safety of primary food products intended for human consumption, reduce sanitary risks associated with slaughtering operations and improve hygienic conditions in slaughterhouses. The regulation replaces the former Meat Technology Regulation approved by Supreme Decree No. 22-95-AG. It does not establish financing programs, subsidies, public slaughterhouse construction programs or livestock productivity targets.