Explanatory Note for Filling out FCI Cattle 1 Form

Directions for Completing Food Chain Information (FCI) Form for Cattle

This form will fulfil the obligations of the primary producer under Regulation (EC) 853/2004 in

relation to cattle going for slaughter. The regulation is part of a pro-active ‘farm to fork’ approach to

food safety controls in the European Community. It supports food safety management systems at

slaughter plants by flagging potential hazards.

From 17th May 2010, all cattle being presented for slaughter should be accompanied by the FCI

form. If any animal or batch of animals arrives at the slaughterhouse without food chain

information, the operator must immediately notify the official veterinarian (OV). Slaughter of the

animal may not take place until the OV so permits.

All parties (i.e. farmer, haulier and slaughterhouse operator) must sign the form in accordance with

the directions below in order for slaughter to take place.

In the event that the herd owner cannot sign the declaration to the slaughter plant (Form A),

he/she should fill out the additional food chain information (Form B).

Trade with Northern Ireland

FCI for cattle and sheep was introduced in Northern Ireland with effect from 1.1.2010. As a

consequence, marts that are near the border require sellers to complete the Northern Ireland FCI

forms. The completed forms are then given to the buyers of the animals.

Cattle Going to Mart

Where animals are going through marts the holding of provenance will be required to fill out the

form if the animals are to be slaughtered in the short term.

See following pages for more detailed directions.