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Poultry postmortem inspection by Plant Inspection Assistants without the permanent presence of Official Veterinarians

Project Code: MC1004

30/08/2011

DNV Consulting
Comer, P

Official controls in poultry premises are carried out by Official Veterinarians (OVs), assisted by Poultry Meat Inspectors (PMIs) and trained staff members, Plant Inspection Assistants (PIAs).

This research examined the risk of amending the requirement for 100% OV presence during PIAs carrying out post-mortem inspection of poultry.

The effect of PIA and OV interaction on potential risks to public health and animal health and welfare were recorded and analysed using a systematic ‘what-if’ technique. Controls for each of the risks, their significance and the impact of PIAs and OVs on those risks were identified and evaluated. A risk summary was developed to enable the effect of alternative OV supervision strategies to be assessed.

The review of slaughterhouses and analysis of inspection data carried out in the context of this project suggested that it is unlikely that there is any significant risk difference between post-mortem inspection of poultry carried out by PIAs or PMIs.

The risk assessment concluded that there would be no significant increase in risk with a reduced OV presence during post-mortem inspection of poultry by PIAs, provided that the Food Business Operator (FBO) management systems were adequate. However, it was considered important that the inspectors (whether PIAs or PMIs) had access to veterinarian advice and support if needed.

Final Report

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