Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1184 of 20 April 2017 governs the monitoring of carcass classification, carcass presentation and weighing. The legal tolerances for authorisation of a mechanical classification system are set out in that legislation.
The figure quoted of 60% is the minimum accuracy figure for conformation and fat cover that must be achieved for a mechanical classification system to be authorised for use in any EU state.
The average performance for conformation in Ireland in 2019 was 93.3% and 95.1% for fat cover. To date in 2020, average performance for conformation is 93.2% and 95.6% for fat cover.
In 2019, 23 machines were inspected during 410 inspections. During these inspections, the accuracy was greater than 90% on 326 occasions for both conformation and fat.
To date in 2020, the 23 machines were inspected during 204 inspections. During these inspections, the accuracy was above 90% on 169 occasions for conformation and fat.
The Deputy should be aware that these accuracy figures include over-scores as well as under-scores when compared to manual grading.