What training requirements will meat plant employees or operators have to meet?
All operators and employees “in charge” of meat establishments must have training and certification from a recognized food safety or meat hygiene program. All other employees must be trained or instructed in food safety to a level appropriate to the duties they are to perform. What recognized training is available? The department currently offers a Food Handlers Course on a regular basis throughout the province and is in the process of developing a similar course that is tailored to the meat industry. There are also a number of courses available from independent agencies that are being reviewed and evaluated by government. These regulations allow for the use of plant employees to conduct inspections. Does it not put “the fox in charge of the hen house”? Individuals that meet qualifications to be appointed as an inspector with limited authority will be allowed to conduct specified low risk inspection activities directed at enhancing the humane handling of animals. This will provide indu
