Business Ethics and Law in Animal Science Enterprises: Compliance, Safety, and Performance

Regulatory Compliance

Meeting legal requirements set by government agencies for business operations.

Guardrails

Guidelines that prevent catastrophic outcomes in animal science operations.

Organizational Performance

How well a business achieves its goals such as profitability, productivity, and safety.

Risk Management

A practice that aims to reduce financial impacts from serious regulatory violations.

Cost Control

Managing expenses over time to reduce failures and associated costs.

Market Access

The ability to sell products in the marketplace, often requiring proof of compliance.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Step-by-step instructions that ensure compliant business practices.

Audits

Evaluations, either internal or external, to ensure compliance with regulations.

USDA

United States Department of Agriculture, overseeing food safety and animal welfare.

FDA

Food and Drug Administration, regulating animal drugs and feed safety.

USDI

United States Department of the Interior, managing wildlife and natural resources.

Ohio Livestock Care Standards

Minimum requirements for livestock care established by the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

Water Quality Standards

Regulations aimed at protecting water resources from contamination.

Building Codes

Local codes governing the safety and structural integrity of facilities.

Hierarchy of Controls

Safety principle prioritizing elimination of hazards over less effective methods.

Sanitation

The process of reducing microbial contamination to safe levels.

Biosecurity

Practices that prevent disease introduction and spread within animal facilities.

Chemical Safety

Practices ensuring safe use, storage, and labeling of hazardous materials.

Animal Handling Safety

Techniques to safely and ethically manage animal interactions.

Workplace Health

Management of air quality, noise, and other health hazards in facilities.

Food Safety

Controls to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of food products.

Waste Management

Regulations related to the disposal and management of animal waste.

Emergency Readiness

Planning and preparedness for unforeseen incidents in animal operations.

Containment

The practice of preventing hazardous materials from spreading.

Recordkeeping

Documentation of activities related to compliance and operational practices.

Corrective Actions

Steps taken to address and prevent the recurrence of compliance issues.