Vet-Track Meat Hygiene Inspector (VMHI)

Reports to: Lead Official Veterinarians

Overall Purpose: To assist the Official Veterinarians (OV) in the post mortem inspection and verification of the Food Business Operator’s (FBO) compliance with all relevant legislation as stated in the Food Standard Agency (FSA) Manual for Official Controls.

Main duties and responsibilities

General

• Any other duties as requested by line management.


• To undertake on-farm TB testing of cattle and submission of the associated test results (following appropriate training and authorisation by APHA) as and when instructed by the Area Veterinary Manager (AVM).

Ante Mortem (AM) Inspection, Animal Welfare and Animal Identification

• Assist the OV in purely practical tasks as defined in the MOC.


• Verify that animals are properly identified and take any necessary actions.

 Post Mortem (PM) Inspection, Specified Risk Material (SRM) & Animal By Products (ABP)

• Carry out post-mortem inspection for detection of abnormalities of all carcasses and offal presented.


• Identify and put aside uncommon conditions for further inspection by the OV.


• Verify FBO's compliance with TSE regulations and SRM controls.


• Verify that carcass meat and offal rejected as unfit is removed, stored and disposed of.


• Maintain an accurate record of post-mortem inspections and findings.

Health and Identification Marking

• Apply the health mark in accordance with the legislation.


• Verify the FBO application of the identification mark.

FSA Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

• Collect and dispatch samples for disease, conditions and residue purposes.


• Carry out duties stated under the terms of SLA agreements with other government departments and agencies as defined in the MOC.

Gathering Audit and Enforcement data

• Collect information regarding GHP and HACCP based procedures, as directed by the OV.


• Assist with the accurate recording and collection of data and any other operational information required by the OV.

Food Chain Information, and Collection and Communication of Inspection Results

• Assess Food Chain Information and take appropriate action as appropriate.


• Record post mortem data and disseminate inspection data back to the FBO and primary producer.

Food Business Operator Liaison

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with plant staff.


• Communicate decisions regarding post mortem inspections in consultation with the OV.


• Communicate issues found during the inspection of FBO good hygiene practices and HACCP based procedures.

Health and Safety

• Undertake duties fully in accordance with the E&J & FSA Health & Safety Policy


• Report all accidents and potential hazards to the OV, in accordance with the E&J and FSA Health & Safety Policy to OV.

Team Involvement

• Meet all standards laid down in the Customer Service Statement.


• Maintain confidentiality of internal Eville & Jones & FSA communications and commercially sensitive information and practices.


• Assist in the supervision and instruction of Trainee Meat Hygiene Inspectors (TMHIs) and others, as appropriate.


• Maintain high standards of professional integrity and personal motivation, and work closely with others team members.


• Identify personal training needs, and undertake opportunities made available by E&J and the FSA. 


• Demonstrate commitment to FSA Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.


• Accurately input data and information into appropriate IT systems.


• In the absence of the OV, ensure the set procedures are followed and standards maintained.