o:8648 Transitioning to a risk-based approach in pork inspection in Serbia: are we ready for Trichinella control reform? en The implementation of risk-based approaches in meat inspection is a key step toward mod- ernizing food safety systems in accordance with international standards. In Serbia, national Regulation 48/2022 introduced the possibility of designating pig farms as “Trichinella-free”, thereby allowing for reduced testing—only 10% of pigs from such farms are required to undergo routine post-mortem Trichinella inspection. However, three years after its adoption, no farm in Serbia has officially obtained this status. This paper critically examines the legal and institutional framework surrounding the application of Regulation 48/2022, with a focus on the readiness of the veterinary system, the level of awareness among stakeholders, and the practical challenges to implementation. In addition to the regulatory and veterinary aspects, this study also incorporates findings from slaughterhouse-level inquiries. Slaughterhouse operators report that, regardless of of- ficial Trichinella-free status, they would still prefer to inspect every pig carcass, fearing the legal and reputational consequences of potential oversight. This undermines the core princi- ple of the regulation and reflects a gap between policy design and its real-world acceptance. Special attention is given to the public health implications of Trichinella control, as well as the potential benefits and risks of transitioning to a selective inspection model. The analysis suggests that although the regulatory framework is formally aligned with EU practices, sig- nificant barriers—including institutional inertia and distrust—remain that hinder its practical application. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving stakeholder engage- ment, capacity building, and confidence in surveillance systems as prerequisites for a suc- cessful shift toward risk-based Trichinella control in Serbia. Trichinella, Risk-based approach, Regulatory reform in Serbia 1552099 10.18485/meattech.2025.66.3.81 2025-12-09T09:10:09.767Z 44 yes 46 Nikola Betić Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Kaćanskog 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Transitioning to a risk-based approach in pork inspection in Serbia: are we ready for Trichinella control reform? https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7375-6752 Ivana Klun University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Research, Dr. Subotića 4 11129 Belgrade, Serbia Transitioning to a risk-based approach in pork inspection in Serbia: are we ready for Trichinella control reform? person https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7976-3104 Vesna Ž. Đorđević Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Kaćanskog 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Transitioning to a risk-based approach in pork inspection in Serbia: are we ready for Trichinella control reform? person https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5187-4089 Branko Velebit Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Kaćanskog 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Transitioning to a risk-based approach in pork inspection in Serbia: are we ready for Trichinella control reform? person https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7577-8074 Aleksandra Uzelac University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Research, Dr. Subotića 4 11129 Belgrade, Serbia Transitioning to a risk-based approach in pork inspection in Serbia: are we ready for Trichinella control reform? person https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1424-0123 Lazar Milojević Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Kaćanskog 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Transitioning to a risk-based approach in pork inspection in Serbia: are we ready for Trichinella control reform? person https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6901-6033 Neđeljko Karabasil University of Belgrade, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Transitioning to a risk-based approach in pork inspection in Serbia: are we ready for Trichinella control reform? person https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6097-3216 application/pdf 479418 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8648 no yes 16 70 92000001 71A01 Meat technology - Special Issue 66/3 2025 1-576 66 3 473 476 Kaćanskog 13, 11 000 Belgrade Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology 2025-12-01 www.journalmeattechnology.com