Request for a preliminary ruling from the Hof van Cassatie (Belgium) lodged on 9 November 2023 – Intervlees NV v Sump & Stammer GmbH

(Case C-660/23, Intervlees)

Language of the case: Dutch

Referring court

Hof van Cassatie

Parties to the main proceedings

Applicant: Intervlees NV

Defendant: Sump & Stammer GmbH

Question referred

Must the provisions of Annex III, Section I, Chapter VII, point 4, to Regulation No 853/2004 ¹ be interpreted as meaning that the stabilisation period relates only to the short period after slaughter during which the meat is chilled in order to achieve the required pH and thermal stabilisation, such that meat intended for freezing must be frozen immediately thereafter, and that it therefore does not relate to the subsequent chilling period for allowing the meat to mature further, such that meat intended for freezing can no longer be frozen after maturation?

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¹ Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption (OJ 2004 L 139, p. 55).