Asking meat processing facilities to use a systematic
approach to ensure that they are meeting the requirements
of the law during handling and slaughter, the Department
of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service published
a notice Thursday calling for compliance with the Humane
Methods of Slaughter Act.
In the notice, FSIS recommends meat plants identify where
and under what circumstances livestock may experience
excitement, discomfort or accidental injury while being
handled in connection with the slaughter process.
FSIS is also asking that existing regulations be met with
regard to practices and plant design in order to minimize
discomfort and injury of the animals.
According to the notice, plants should periodically evaluate
their systems for effectiveness and improve or adjust
operations accordingly. FSIS believes implementing these
steps will serve to improve product quality and efficiency
as well as enhance worker safety.
