Karkasslagen

Karkasslagen is a term originating from Swedish law and refers to the "carcass law." It was historically a collection of regulations concerning the slaughter of animals and the subsequent sale of their meat. These laws aimed to ensure public health and prevent the spread of disease by setting standards for animal husbandry, transportation, slaughtering practices, and meat inspection.

The specifics of Karkasslagen varied over time and in different regions within Sweden. Generally, it encompassed rules about where animals could be slaughtered, often requiring designated slaughterhouses with hygienic conditions. Inspectors were sometimes appointed to examine the animals before and after slaughter to identify any signs of illness or contamination. The meat of diseased animals was typically to be destroyed to prevent it from entering the food supply.

The underlying principle was to protect consumers from consuming unsafe meat. Karkasslagen reflected a growing awareness of the link between animal health and human health, particularly concerning zoonotic diseases. While the term itself may be less frequently used in modern legal contexts, the principles it represented have evolved into contemporary food safety regulations and veterinary public health laws that govern the meat industry in Sweden and many other countries. These modern laws are more comprehensive and scientifically based, but the historical Karkasslagen laid the groundwork for such protections.