Role of Veterinarians in Meat Inspection
Not all veterinarians work in clinics looking after pets. Some become government-licensed meat inspectors. Meat inspectors examine meat and poultry, and their byproducts, to determine if the food is safe for human consumption.
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Farm Animals
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Veterinary meat inspectors make sure that farm animals are kept in a hygienic environment. They also observe the presence of diseases and monitor the treatments.
Education
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Veterinary meat inspectors educate livestock workers with information on disease control, preventive training, and the elimination of safety hazards.
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Meat Inspection
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Meat inspectors look for diseased meat, destroy it, make sure meat handling is clean and sanitary, prevent the addition of any harmful chemicals or drugs, and watch for false labeling.
Condemnation
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Meat inspectors can condemn a live animal, carcass, or meat product that is not fit for consumption. It is usually made into various fats, greases and oils, or animal feed or fertilizer. Sometimes, condemned meat is simply burned.
Disease Outbreaks
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Veterinary meat inspectors also investigate infectious outbreaks resulting from food eaten by humans. Such investigations may lead them back to the farm where the livestock was originally held and the inspectors formulate measures to control the outbreak.
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References
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