Critical occupational group: the food chain is seen in a broad sense

A number of professional groups have been identified as crucial to keeping Dutch society running under the conditions of COVID-19. People working in the food chain also belong to this group. The food chain is seen in a broad sense, from primary products and the food industry to food stores and all activities that support this, such as the transport of foodstuffs, the delivery and collection of products from farmers and horticulturists, and the checks and inspections that take place in the food chain. This is what Minister Schouten of LNV is writing to the Lower House of Parliament.

Employees of the NVWA also fall under the crucial professional groups provided their work is connected to other crucial professional groups such as the food chain. By this we mean, for example, inspections or the enforcement of the system that guarantees food safety. 

In slaughterhouses, the NVWA is also involved in inspections. It is not yet possible to stop a slaughterhouse because these inspections cannot be carried out. When the NVWA establishes that slaughterhouses do not comply with all RIVM recommendations, no service is provided. The NVWA veterinarian has the possibility to stop the slaughter process immediately.