Meat Inspection & HACCP

Functions of Meat Inspection

Includes detection and destruction of diseased meat, assurance of sanitary handling, minimization of contamination, prevention of false labeling, and application of inspection stamps.

Wholesome Meat Act (1967)

Legislation requiring state meat inspections to be equal to federal standards, administered by USDA-FSIS.

Jurisdiction of Meat Inspection

Federal governs meat sold in interstate commerce; state governs intrastate commerce.

Postmortem Inspection - US Inspected and Passed

Refers to the inspection status where 99% of inspected meat passes inspection.

Curtis Amendment

Exempts custom slaughter/production of farm animals for farmers and families from meat inspection.

HACCP

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, a mandatory system for identifying and controlling hazards in meat processing.

Food borne Illness

An illness transmitted to humans by contaminated food or beverages, often resulting in outbreaks.

SSOP

Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring sanitary conditions in meat processing.

Types of Food Contaminants

Includes physical (metal, glass), chemical (cleaners, allergens), and biological (bacteria, viruses) contaminants.

Farming Exemption

Allows farmers to use meat from their own livestock for personal consumption without inspection.

Product Inspection - Reinspection Privilege

Ensures previously acceptable products have not become sour, spoiled, or altered.

HACCP Final Rule (1996)

Established mandatory HACCP systems for all meat processing plants.

Microbiological testing

Includes testing for generic E. coli and Salmonella in HACCP systems.

Vulnerable population

Groups at higher risk for food borne illness, including children under 5, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Chemical Denaturing

Process involving the use of substances like kerosene to render meat inedible.

Imported Meat Products Inspection

All imported meats must be inspected in the country of origin and tested for cleanliness, labeling, and other criteria upon entry.