March 8, 2013

Canada has revealed plans for an amended meat inspection system following extensive consultation with ranchers, abattoir operators and local governments.

Applying to Class A and B butchers, the new system will still stipulate the presence of a trained government meat inspector for each individual slaughter case- before and after slaughter.

The new system will also require all Class A and B plants to develop and maintain comprehensive written food safety procedures for maintaining meat safety, facility hygiene and animal health and welfare.

It includes the development of an audit programme of all Class A and B abattoirs.

The system helps to train inspectors to provincial standards, including enhanced knowledge and skills in humane livestock handling and slaughter.

It will maintain third party government inspection and the use of a government stamp on inspected products.

It will also maintain the graduated enforcement approach to support the integrity of the inspection system.

Norm Letnick, British Columbia Agricultural Minister, said that the meat inspection strikes a balance. He added that the amendments provide a system that protects public health and animal welfare while expanding producer, processor and community opportunities.

The new system will be fully operational on January 1, 2014 and replace the previous legislation, in place since 1988.