Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 2/16/11

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued FSIS Notice 08-11: Inspection Responsibilities and Authorities for Slaughter or Evisceration Line Speed Process Control to clarify inspection program personnel (IPP) authority to slow or stop lines.

According to the notice, Inspectors-in-Charge (IICs) or Public Health Veterinarians (PHVs) are to slow maximum line speeds when process control of line speeds is not maintained because of inconsistencies in size, weight, class of animal or bird, health, pathology, contamination, sanitary dressing or presentation.   

PHVs or IICs are to ensure that IPP can perform a post-mortem inspection of poultry and livestock carcasses, according to the notice. On-line inspectors do not have the authority to slow line speeds, according to the American Meat Institute.

On-line inspectors are to stop the line for safety and health reasons needing immediate intervention, such as preventing injury due to malfunctioning equipment.

On-line inspectors assigned to a poultry slaughter establishment have the authority to stop the line at times needing immediate intervention to prevent the production of adulterated or unwholesome product.
The Office of Policy and Program Development, along with the Office of Program Evaluation and Enforcement Review, will conduct a web based survey within two weeks of issuing this notice to assess its effectiveness.

To download this notice, click here.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.