By Dori Modney with files from Alberta Agriculture

Alberta Agriculture modernizing Meat Inspection Regulations

Jul 30, 2020 | 10:23 AM

EDMONTON, AB. — Alberta’s Meat Inspection Regulation and Meat Inspection Act have provided oversight for animal slaughter and meat processing in the province since 1973. The regulations have also provided authority for abattoir and mobile butcher licensing.

However, after 47-years, Alberta Agriculture has introduced amendments which are expected to cut red tape and provide Albertans with greater access to locally produced meat while maintaining food safety.

Kelly Smith-Fraser, a Pine Lake rancher and Chair of the Alberta Beef Produces, says producers have been asking for increased processing capabilities for several years and this is a positive step forward to address the issue, while giving consumers another option to purchase Alberta beef.

The meat inspection changes give operators more flexibility to meet legislated requirements and increase consumer access to high-quality local products. The changes were arrived at through consultation with industry and other stakeholders and include:

• Increased licensing options for personal use slaughter, with consumers now able to buy an animal direct from the farm and have the animal slaughtered on-site for their personal consumption.
• Allowing provincially licensed meat facilities to salvage and sell meat by-products. As a result, abattoirs will be able to expand into markets that use meat by-products for human consumption, pet food and wildlife bait.
• Allowing for video pre-slaughter inspections in emergency situations. Abattoirs won’t have to wait for an appointed inspector to arrive in person on-farm to perform an inspection if animal welfare is at stake.

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Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction, noted the changes are well-thought-out, to reduce red tape, maintain safety standards and open up additional business opportunities in this sector.

As well, Chief provincial veterinarian, Keith Lehman, said there was extensive consultation with industry, to provide more options to consumers while protecting animal welfare in Alberta.

“The changes make new tools available for meat inspectors, like video pre-slaughter inspections, and provide increased options for licensed slaughter for personal use.”

Lehman’s comment was echoed by rancher and veterinarian, Margitta Dziwenka.

“As a veterinarian, I feel that allowing video pre-slaughter inspections in emergency situations is a huge step forward for animal welfare. One of the changes I appreciate, in particular, as a cow/calf producer is the increased access to locally sourced meat products for consumers, while ensuring food safety.”