How does the provincial meat inspection program work?
Through the application of the meat inspection program, OMAFRA’s Food Inspection Branch ensures that provincially licensed slaughter plants comply with legislated standards for the production of safe meat products. Skilled and knowledgeable meat inspectors, with veterinary support, are present in each slaughter plant, each day of slaughter, to inspect all animals and poultry intended for slaughter. Medium and large free-standing meat processing plants (meat plants that do not conduct slaughter activities) are usually inspected at a minimum once a month. The meat inspection program monitors animal health, meat safety, the treatment of animals, proper handling of meat products, sanitation programs and water safety at Ontario’s licensed plants. In addition, each plant is audited annually by expert auditors contracted by the Ministry to ensure that they meet minimum requirements for provincial licensing.
