Western
Meeting of Poultry
Clinicians and Pathologists
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Clinicians and Pathologists
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Update of Federal Inspection Changes and Implications for the Poultry Industry Mark Bielby Canadian Food Inspection Agency
A synopsis was given by Dr. Bielby of Canadian Food Inspection Agency of the work that had gone on in Ottawa with the National Correlation Team regarding the changes in philosophy of post-mortem judgment and disposition. The agenda of the NCT meeting was shown with an emphasis on discussion of the changes in disposition of pathology, the addition of verifiable accountability on the part of CFIA employees, the further development of the CIPI and MPIP prerogatives on chicken and turkey, the concept of generic approval for new equipment and processes, the evolution of on-farm quality control and lot profiles, and the concepts of statistical condemnation and the plant reject class. Excerpts of diseases that will appear in the new update of the CFIA Manual of Procedures were shown including cellulitis in chicken and turkey, ascites, and air sacculitis (Figs. 1-3). The concept of dark-colored carcasses replacing cyanosis as a diagnosis, and the description of what constitutes condemnable cyanosis were discussed. In all these cases, there should be a trend towards less condemnation over time, saving the industry money. The separate approach used for chicken versus turkey for air sacculitis was discussed at length, as well as the industry-driven reasons for the decision to make a dichotomous judgment depending on the species. The idea of using a Quality Management system to evaluate the post-mortem judgment of CFIA employees and the possible extension to all CFIA functions was presented in an attempt to show the industry that CFIA is concerned with proper standardization of function. Dr. Bielby then presented the chart of non-conformances that was used to establish the baseline for the new MPIP program and described how he assisted in the baseline study (Fig. 4). A short discussion of the progress being made in CPIP and MPIP ensued, and the impact on the industry of the added responsibilities that they will have to take on was pointed out. Following from this was a presentation of the concept of generic approval for new processes and equipment and the procedure that should save time and frustration for the industry as they develop new ideas and wish to institute them in all plants. The frustration and disappointment met by Dr. Bielby in trying to develop the ideas of statistical condemnation and the plant reject category (Fig. 5) at the Ottawa level was described. These ideas had been developed to help the veterinarian use his or her time more efficiently, given the faster line speeds that are coming in most Federal plants, and still give an accurate picture of the status of each lot presented to them. The concepts were not universally accepted due to fears of increased liability on the part of the veterinarians in the plant. Federal legal experts recommended that the Agency not proceed with the development of these ideas at this time. There is a hope that as the on-farm quality programs develop and the effects are felt, with less poor quality carcasses being put out for the vet on the floor, the need for such revolutionary measures on the kill-floor will be reduced. Dr. Bielby then concluded his presentation with a general statement that further changes in CFIA approach to inspection would continue in the future and that the NCT would continue to exist in an advisory with volunteer input. |
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