The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) has revoked the operating licenses of two dairy farms in West Iceland for breaking the rules on health and hygiene for the production of milk and the slaughtering of animals. The farms are Ingunnarstaðir in Reykhólahreppur and Brúarreykir in Borgarfjörður.

In a letter from MAST dated November 30, it is stated that despite repeated demands, improvements had been implemented late, poorly or not at all. The farms in question have been ordered to halt the delivery of milk and the slaughtering of livestock as of December 1, ruv.is reports.

Among the complaints are crowded conditions among the livestock, which were found wading in their own manure, unhygienic conditions in the hand washing area, including a lack of soap, and unclean milking equipment.

Viktor Stefán Pálsson, director of MAST, told ruv.is that it is being looked into whether the farms have broken animal protection laws, penalty for which may include fines or imprisonment.

ZR

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