Insuffi­cient NVWA inspection capacity puts slaughter­houses under pressure

Slaughterhouses depend on timely NVWA inspections. According to a recently submitted motion, a shortage of inspection capacity is causing delays and production stoppages. Member of Parliament Wiersma is therefore calling on the government to take swift action and work toward a lasting solution.

Capacity shortage causes delays

According to the motion, slaughterhouses depend on timely NVWA inspections. A shortage of inspection capacity at the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is leading to delays, production stoppages, and risks to animal welfare.

The motion also states that ensuring sufficient inspection capacity is the government's responsibility.

Call for government action

Member of Parliament Wiersma urges the government to take urgent measures to safeguard the continuity of NVWA inspections. The motion also asks the government to inform Parliament about a lasting solution to the shortage of inspection capacity.

The motion was submitted on June 18, 2026, during the parliamentary debate on animal welfare. It calls on the government to both safeguard the continuity of NVWA inspections and address the shortage of inspection capacity through a sustainable, long-term approach.