Consultation on Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) Guidance
Applies to England, Northern Ireland and Wales
Detail of outcome
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) sought views on a proposed Guidance document regarding mechanically separated meat (MSM). The Guidance is intended primarily to support Food Business Operators (FBOs) to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements following the Supreme Court Judgment that clarified how the definition of MSM is to be interpreted and applied.
Following the responses, the Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) Guidance was published on 1 July 2025.
Feedback received
Detail of feedback received
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) sought feedback relating to new mechanically separated meat (MSM) guidance that is intended to provide support for Food Business Operators (FBO) following court judgments that clarify how the definition of MSM should be interpreted and applied.
This 12-week consultation was issued on 28 February 2024 and closed on 22 May 2024.
Original consultation
Consultation description
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking feedback relating to new MSM guidance that is intended to provide support for FBOs following court judgments that clarify how the definition of mechanically separated meat (MSM) should be interpreted and applied, with implications for MSM production in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Feedback is sought specifically on:
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The effectiveness of the MSM Guidance document in providing support in light of the Court Judgments.
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The impacts of FBOs adapting their activities and operations in line with Court judgments.
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Whether there are wider issues around MSM that the FSA, or indeed wider government, should be seeking to address and why.
This consultation will be of most interest to
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Food Business Operators (FBOs) using mechanical meat separation equipment in their production processes; and those using MSM as an ingredient
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Food Law Enforcement Officers
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Meat Industry Trade Bodies
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Consumers