Chapter 19 – Poultry Inspection Programs

19.6 Post Mortem Inspection/Examination

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19.6.2 Modernized Poultry Inspection Program (MPIP)

19.6.2.1 Introduction

The Modernized Poultry Inspection Program or MPIP is a post mortem examination program as defined in section 2 of the Meat Inspection Regulations, 1990 (MIR). The following subsections of this chapter contain the requirements for the MPIP, as referred to in section 29.1 (3) of the MIR.

A CFIA veterinarian shall be present throughout evisceration operations at the establishment.

19.6.2.1.1 Definition of MPIP

MPIP is a HACCP and science-based inspection system that focuses on the slaughter process within the gate to plate food safety continuum. MPIP represents the latest Canadian advance in the evolution of poultry inspection methodology.

19.6.2.1.2 Objectives:

• Provide the CFIA and industry personnel with the policies and procedures that contribute to the uniformity of interpretation and consistency in the implementation of the MPIP.
• Control hazards associated with food-borne pathogens during the slaughter and processing of poultry.
• Promote the proactive control (prevent, eliminate or reduce) of hazards through the implementation of a CFIA-recognized HACCP system in poultry slaughtering establishments.
• Facilitate the change from prescriptive regulatory requirements to objective performance standards in poultry inspection.
• Facilitate the transition of CFIA staff from hands-on inspection to audit-based verification activities.
• Facilitate the assumption by industry of the responsibility for the detection and handling of defective carcasses under continuous government oversight.
• Respond to changing international trade requirements, e.g., Pathogen Reduction and HACCP Program Rule in the US.

19.6.2.1.3 CFIA MPIP Training and Certification

As per the "Modernized Poultry Inspection Program (MPIP) Certification Program", all employees of the CFIA assigned on a regular basis or providing relief in poultry slaughtering establishments operating under MPIP must be certified.

19.6.2.2 MPIP Implementation

19.6.2.2.1 Introduction

An operator in a registered establishment, or an operator sending an application to be registered, may request to implement a post mortem examination program or MPIP.

The implementation of MPIP consists of three phases:

• Phase 1 – Preparatory Period
• Phase 2 – Trial Period
• Phase 3 – Implementation Period

The steps for implementing MPIP under each phase are described below. All checklists (i.e., assessment, implementation or others) pertinent to MPIP referred to in the following sub-sections may be obtained from the Area Poultry Inspection Program Specialist.

Slaughter operations shall initially comply with a post mortem inspection system performed by CFIA inspectors, as described under the "Traditional inspection method" section in this Chapter. The inspectors assigned to the plant shall be trained under the Traditional Inspection System and the Traditional Presentation Standards.

The operator is expected to take traditional line speed caps into consideration when calculating expected daily kill goals.

19.6.2.2.2 Preliminary Assessment

Step 1

An operator interested in implementing MPIP shall submit a letter of request to the Regional Director with a copy to the Area Poultry Inspection Program Specialist as per article 29.1 of the MIR, "Post mortem Examination Program".

The request shall include blueprints and a project description showing the positions/locations of the inspectors and company employees at the different phases of the implementation and must be presented to the CFIA Area Program Specialist before the beginning of the next phase. The number and location of inspectors and plant employees may vary from one phase to the next.

Upon receipt of an acceptable request, a two (2) station traditional inspection environment, and corresponding line speed, may be allowed at the discretion of the Regional Director and Area Poultry Program Specialist.

Step 2

The Regional Director shall forward the operator's request to the Area Poultry Inspection Program Specialist who then assembles an assessment team with the following suggested composition:

• Area Poultry Inspection Program Specialist;
• The Veterinarian in Charge; and
• The Inspection Manager and/or the local Regional Veterinary Officer covering the establishment.

Step 3

The assessment team assesses the suitability of the blue print and the project description submission prior to acceptance based on compliance with the following criteria:

• facility requirements and line configuration;
• training program and work plan for defect detectors, Evisceration Standards, Presentation Standards, DDS and CDS monitors as per Annex B of this chapter; and
• a HACCP written program and Pathogen Reduction Program.

Note: For an existing registered establishment, the assessment will also include the compliance history of the operator.

A specific checklist entitled "Pre – MPIP Initial MPIP Assessment Checklist – Prior to Phase 1 (Preparatory Phase)" shall be completed by the assessment team for this purpose.

Minor deficiencies may be addressed through acceptable action plans.

Step 4

The assessment team shall state, on the preceding checklist, the terms and conditions required to be completed prior to initiating operations in an MPIP environment. A copy of this assessment is forwarded to the Regional Director and the operator.

• If the request is accepted, the CFIA personnel from the establishment and the operator are informed that the request to implement MPIP has been approved; the operator may then schedule a Phase 1 start date;
• If the request is refused, the Area MPIP Assessment Team shall explain the decision and rationale to the Regional Director and the operator.

Step 5

Certified MPIP trainers shall organize training workshop(s) to certify CFIA staff.

• The Veterinarian in Charge and one or more inspectors shall receive several days of practical training in one or more MPIP plants.

19.6.2.2.3 Preparatory Period (1st Phase)

Step 6

The operator may switch to a Pre-MPIP environment (carcass/cavity detection, Evisceration Standards, Presentation Standards, DDS and CDS) when the CFIA operational requirement can be met and when plant employees' level of training and expertise with Pre-MPIP can facilitate a functional Pre-MPIP environment as determined by the Area Poultry Inspection Program Specialist and VIC. If the operator desires to remain eligible to export to the United States, a written request must be submit to the VIC for the CFIA to continue staffing this station as an "export" station (refer to Chapter 11, Exports, of this manual).

CFIA staffing and maximum line speeds during the "MPIP Preparatory Period" (Phase 1) shall be determined by the Area Assessment Team depending on the ergonomic facilities and the presentation of the carcasses and corresponding viscera. An onsite review of the establishment is required to ensure MPIP facility requirements have been met. Line speeds may be increased during the MPIP Preparatory Period (Phase 1), once the operator has implemented carcass/cavity detection, Evisceration Standards, Presentation Standards, DDS and CDS by accredited employees. In this case, the maximum line speed shall be approved by the Area Poultry Inspection Program Specialist and the Veterinarian in Charge as per the following:

• 7200 cph for chicken
• 6360 cph for light fowl under 2 kg (live weight)
• 5760 cph for heavy fowl over 2 kg (live weight)
• 3600 cph for light turkey at or under 8 kg
• 3300 cph for heavy turkey over 8 kg

Step 7

The implementation team along with the Veterinarian in Charge shall:

• review the operator's correction of any non-conformities identified during the initial assessment including requisite amendments to the operator's HACCP system; and
• review the evisceration line area with the operator with respect to work and inspection station requirements for Phase 2, as detailed in this chapter.

Step 8

CFIA personnel from the establishment and CFIA replacements receive MPIP training and certification as per the CFIA "National Meat Hygiene Training Program Volume 1: Implementation Guide".

Step 9

Training for Presentation Standards, Defect Detection Standards (DDS) and the Carcass Dressing Standards (CDS) shall be implemented prior to commencing Phase 2. A complete description of DDS and CDS is contained in this chapter.

Step 10

MPIP industry training material is provided to the Veterinarian in Charge or the delegated MPIP-certified inspector in order to train and accredit establishment trainers. As required, the local Regional Director shall arrange for additional veterinary support to permit the Veterinarian in Charge to perform training and accreditation duties at the establishment.

Step 11

Once they are accredited, establishment trainers are to then train and accredit all other establishment employees as per the "Training and Accreditation Protocol", in Annex B of this chapter.

Step 12

The Area Implementation Team shall use the checklist entitled "Pre – MPIP Implementation Assessment Checklist – Phase 1 (Preparatory Phase) to Phase 2 (Trial Phase)" to evaluate the following requirements in order to commence Phase 2, Trial Period:

• the operator's Pathogen Reduction Program is operational and included in the HACCP system;
• establishment QC are accredited to administer the DDS, CDS and Presentation Standards;
• establishment trainers are accredited and a sufficient number of defect detectors have passed the prerequisite tests; and
• the evisceration line has been modified as per work and inspection station requirements for the Trial Period (Phase 2).

Based on the result of this checklist, the implementation team shall recommend the commencement of Phase 2 or that Phase 1 be continued pending the completion of all requirements. A copy of this assessment is forwarded to the Regional Director.

19.6.2.2.4 Trial Period (2nd Phase)

It is strongly recommended that the CFIA and establishment staff hold weekly meetings throughout Phase 2 to discuss any issues related to the ongoing implementation of MPIP.

Step 13

The same number of on-line CFIA inspectors is required during Phase 2, Trial Period, as inspection stations staffed under the operator's previous post mortem inspection system.

Note: A complete description of DDS testing procedures during Phase 2 of MPIP implementation is contained in this subsection.

Step 14

Defect detectors must pass four (4) additional on-line tests during the trial period as per the "Training and Accreditation Protocol", Annex B of this chapter.

Step 15

The inspection staff shall provide feedback to the establishment trainer on the performance of their defect detectors.

At the end of Phase 2:

• When the Veterinarian in Charge is satisfied that defect detectors are performing adequately, he or she may locate the CFIA viscera Inspector downstream; and
• When switching from Traditional inspection to MPIP, if the operator desires to remain eligible to export to the United States and has not submitted a request as described in Step 6, a written request must be submit to the VIC for CFIA to continue staffing this station as an "export" station (refer to Chapter 11, Exports, of this manual).

Step 16

The Veterinarian in Charge shall notify the Regional Director when the operator is ready to proceed to Phase 3 so that an MPIP system and compliance verification review can be conducted.

The MPIP implementation team shall conduct this review to assess compliance to all of the elements of the MPIP policy.

• If performance is acceptable, the operator may enter Phase 3.
• If the operator does not exhibit optimum performance, then the trial period shall continue until performance is acceptable or the operator formally withdraws its MPIP application.

The result of the evaluation and recommendations to proceed or not to proceed to Phase 3 shall be communicated to the operator and the local Regional Director.

A specific checklist entitled "Checklist For MPIP System Compliance And Verification – Phase 2 (Trial Phase) to Phase 3 (Implementation Phase)" shall be completed for this step. A copy of the corrective action(s) required by the operator shall be attached to this checklist. Follow-up activities to be performed by specific CFIA personnel shall be specified in the comments section of the checklist completed by the implementation team.

19.6.2.2.5 Implementation Period (3rd Phase)

There are no maximum line speeds for MPIP. Rather, line speeds are determined by the performance of industry defect detectors and by compliance with MPIP requirements.

Step 17

The following operational modifications shall be made according to the roles and responsibilities of CFIA staff under Phase 3:

• CFIA staffing levels may be reduced; and
• cost recovery fees shall be recalculated based on remaining CFIA inspection stations and inspection staff tasks.

Step 18

Phase 3 shall last a minimum of 3 months. MPIP establishments operating in Phase 3 shall undergo regulatory verification of their MPIP system at the end of the 3 months probationary period. This verification will be conducted by a team comprised of certified area MPIP reviewers. After successful completion of the MPIP Compliance Review, the review shall be conducted on an annual basis. In each case, a specific checklist entitled "Checklist For MPIP System Compliance And Verification – Phase 2 (Trial Phase) to Phase 3 (Implementation Phase)" shall be completed.

DDS Testing for Missed Pathology and Processing Defects Before, During and After the Three Phases of MPIP Implementation

Phase	DDS Testing Mode
During Phase 1	No ongoing tests for operations under the traditional method of inspection. Perform the DDS test for carcass and/or cavity defect group when the operator assumes the responsibility for carcass and/or cavity defect detection.
During Phase 2	Conduct the DDS tests for the viscera defect group prior to inspection to provide feedback on the efficacy of viscera defect detection training. for the carcass and cavity defect groups, follow the DDS decision tree since the operator has assumed responsibility for carcass and cavity defect detection.
During and After Phase 3	Implement the DDS test for carcass, cavity and viscera defect groups.

19.6.2.2.6 MPIP Requirements for CFIA Inspection Stations

Veterinary Disposition Station (refer to section 19.7.5)
A fully equipped and staffed veterinary disposition station shall be provided by the operator as a prerequisite to receiving a condemnation report from CFIA. Under the framework of the Poultry Rejection Project, the rejection process and the performance of industry rejecters shall be assessed by a CFIA veterinarian.

Evisceration Floor Inspector Station
The entire evisceration, dressing and chilling areas shall comprise the "station" for the evisceration floor inspector. The operator shall provide on-line and/or off-line inspection stations for CFIA inspection staff performing independent or correlation sampling and testing under the Evisceration, Presentation, Defect Detection and Carcass Dressing Standards programs for use by the designated industry personnel and/or CFIA inspection staff. The evisceration floor inspector must also have full access to salvaging and on/off-line reprocessing/reconditioning operations and shall perform all tasks assigned by the Compliance Verification System (CVS) program applicable to poultry dressing, evisceration and chilling operations.

CFIA personnel must maintain a permanent presence within the carcass dressing and evisceration area throughout processing operations.

Note: Additional inspection tasks related to the plant specific upstream and downstream processes from the evisceration floor such as ante mortem verifications and post-chilling process verifications must be delivered as per program requirements.

19.6.2.3 Presentation Standards for the MPIP Inspection System

19.6.2.3.1 Introduction

Presentation standards are used as a Process Control (PC) to contribute to the effectiveness of the related CCP(s) and post mortem examination activities.

Presentation standards aid accredited cavity and viscera defect detectors to carry out their responsibilities in compliance with defect detection standards by ensuring that carcasses and corresponding viscera are presented in a uniform and consistent manner. These standards are designed to ensure that evidence of disease is not lost (e.g., missing viscera) nor hidden (e.g., inadequate abdominal opening) during visual examination by the defect detectors.

Effective control by the operator over the presentation of carcasses and viscera reduces the verification frequency and corrective actions by inspection personnel. Additionally, industry employees must be empowered to take immediate action whenever they notice a potential loss of control. This includes loss of presentation control e.g., excessive missing viscera.

19.6.2.3.2 General Requirements

Presentation standards are applicable to all types of evisceration procedures regardless of the technology used, i.e., whether manual evisceration or automated evisceration equipment leaves the viscera either attached or physically separated from the corresponding carcass.

Presentation monitoring tests are performed on each evisceration line at a presentation test station located after evisceration and prior to viscera detection. Carcasses correctly identified by the cavity defect detectors for removal by the helper/trimmer shall not be included in the sampling for the presentation tests.

All industry employees performing presentation tests shall be trained and accredited as per the "Training and Accreditation Protocol" as per Annex B of this chapter.

19.6.2.3.3 Defects Related to Improper Presentation

19.6.2.3.3.1 Defects to be Monitored by the Presentation Standard

During presentation monitoring, the following three (3) defects shall be counted as presentation errors. These defects are described in the following sub-section and included within the AQL for presentation tests:

1. no viscera;
2. viscera parts missing; and
3. inadequate abdominal opening.

19.6.2.3.3.2 Description of Presentation Errors

The following is a description of presentation errors:

No Viscera

• For chicken, turkey and quail – carcasses are presented without the viscera or the viscera are presented with the heart and liver missing.
• For fowl – the duodenum must be missing in addition to the liver and the heart.

Viscera Parts Missing

• For chicken, turkey and quail – presentation of the viscera with over ½ of the heart or over ½ of the liver missing. There must be at least one intact lobe of the liver present for defect detection purposes.
• For fowl – presentation of the viscera with over ½ of the heart or over ½ of the liver missing or the duodenum missing, with a maximum of one defect per carcass. Multiply the total number of hearts missing by 0.1.
• For mature poultry (including chicken roasters) – missing spleens count as an error if a significant percentage are missing as determined by the VIC.

If a missing heart is combined with a missing liver or a missing duodenum, a maximum of one defect is counted.

Inadequate Abdominal Opening

Presentation of carcasses with an inadequate abdominal opening makes it impossible to examine the abdominal cavity properly. This may result from pieces of skin or flesh obstructing the opening, the anus or cloaca that have remained attached, or any obstacle located in the incision hampering the presentation and view inside. The abdominal opening must be large enough to allow presentation and examination of the inside of the carcass.

For chicken and light fowl, a cut made within 2 cm of the point of the keel is adequate.

For turkey, heavy fowl and roasters, a cut made within 3 cm of the point of the keel is adequate.

For quail, a cut made within 1.5 cm of the point of the keel having a minimum opening diameter of 2.8 cm is adequate. Mutilated carcasses having obstructions which interfere with examination of the cavity shall also be scored as an "Inadequate Abdominal Opening".

Unless specified otherwise, each of the above listed errors will receive a score of one (1) with a maximum of one (1) error allowed per carcass.

19.6.2.3.3.3 Other Defects to be Controlled by the HACCP System

The following six defects (1 to 6) shall not be included as errors as part of the presentation tests and are not included in the AQL for the presentation tests. Rather, they shall be controlled as part of the operator's HACCP system:

1. unopened carcass
   carcass without any abdominal incision;
2. viscera not removed from cavity
   carcass with an abdominal incision but viscera are not sufficiently drawn from the abdominal cavity to permit detection or inspection;
3. carcass not hung by legs
   carcass hung by the neck or a wing;
4. water pooled within the cavity
   accumulated water may mask evidence of pathological and/or processing defects (e.g., Airsacculitis and faecal contamination);
5. contaminated viscera
   severe contamination to the extent that evidence of pathology is obscured (e.g., generalized Airsacculitis); and
6. hearts and livers not visible
   viscera portions to be examined are present, but hidden behind the gizzard on a consistent basis.

Carcasses with presentation defects (1) to (3) shall be removed from the line (before or by the helper/trimmer) for verification of cavity and viscera defects. They shall be identified and kept separate from carcasses for salvaging and not be allowed to unduly accumulate on racks. Errors shall be corrected as quickly as possible, and the carcasses rehung on the line in order not to compromise product safety due to bacterial multiplication. If not, they shall be condemned as "plant rejects". Refer to section 19.7.4.22 of this chapter for more information on "plant rejects".

19.6.2.3.4 Presentation Standards Monitoring

Random sampling for presentation testing is performed by the operator using an "Acceptance Sampling Plan", ISO 2859-1, Special Inspection S-4.

The Presentation Standards monitoring tool has two (2) general components:

• Process evaluation; and
• Corrective measure(s) evaluation.

The process evaluation monitors the presentation defects described in this standard to insure that they do not exceed the established Acceptance Quality Limit. It is performed at a consistent frequency on successive lots. It determines if the process meets the standards on an on-going basis.

The corrective measure(s) evaluation is an assessment of the adequacy of corrective measures that have been implemented following a rejected sample. It determines when the process is back under control.

19.6.2.3.4.1 Testing Frequencies

The frequency of industry monitoring and CFIA verification tests on each eviscerating line shall be based on the operator's ability to maintain uniform carcass presentation. This frequency may be reduced when there is confidence in the operator's presentation control, or it shall be increased when this confidence has been lost, according to the following table.

19.6.2.3.4.2 Sampling Procedure

The sampling must be done at constant intervals, e.g., every fifth carcass, every third carcass, etc. To avoid sample bias, randomly select a carcass by picking one, then count a predetermined number of carcasses, e.g., third one, and then examine this carcass and corresponding viscera. This carcass shall be the first one of the sample. Repeat the procedure for each subsequent carcass until the required number is examined.

The last step consists of checking the line speed.

The total of error incidences is the score for that inspection station and eviscerating line.

19.6.2.3.4.3 Sample Size and Acceptance/Rejection Criteria

The sample size and the applicable accept and reject numbers shall be governed by the line speed range as shown in the following table.

cpm: carcasses per minute
* If the total of missing viscera reaches half of the rejection number, and/or if the total of missing heart, for turkey and quail, reaches the rejection number, see the following section below.

19.6.2.3.4.4 Process Out of Control – Action to be Taken

Management has the responsibility to implement timely and effective corrective actions immediately following each presentation test indicating that the number of presentation defects has reached or exceeded the reject number. In each case, they must inform CFIA personnel and must conduct an investigation to determine the probable cause to help decide on the best course of corrective action.

If the total of missing viscera, for all species, reaches half of the rejection number, or, if the total of missing heart, for turkey and quail, reaches the rejection number, the VIC shall determine if the defects are significant considering the pathology associated with the specific flock. In these instances, corrective actions are required to ensure proper detection of pathology.

Corrective actions implemented by the operator commonly include one or more of the following:

• equipment adjustment and/or maintenance;
• adding employees;
• reducing the line speed (if extra time is required by the defect detectors to examine the carcass and/or viscera due to excessive presentation defects);
• changing the flock (e.g., if extra time is required for the birds to empty their intestines); and,
• temporarily suspending the hanging of live birds.

A corrective measure(s) evaluation shall be conducted within 10 minutes of the failed test in order to evaluate the corrective action(s) implemented.

If a line speed reduction is chosen as the corrective action by the operator or is enforced by CFIA staff, then retests must be done 10 minutes after a line speed decrease or increase.

Immediately following a failed corrective measure(s) evaluation, the presentation standards monitor shall notify the designated representative of the operator and CFIA personnel. An automatic line speed reduction of 10% shall be implemented if a line speed reduction was not included as a corrective action following the previous failed sample. If the corrective action taken by the operator fails to reduce the following evaluations to an acceptable level, then the operator shall re-assess the presentation status, implement additional corrective actions and apply another 10% line speed reduction.

After one (1) accepted corrective measure(s) evaluation, not exceeding the acceptance number (Ac), the process is back to normal process evaluation since the evaluation determined that implemented corrective measures have been adequate.

If three (3) consecutive corrective measure(s) evaluation tests are rejected, the operator and /or the VIC shall:

• determine to what extent the deviations from the presentation standards affect the detection of defective carcasses and viscera;
• evaluate and approve further corrective action(s);
• determine if live hanging operations may continue;
• the operator shall evaluate and assure the safety and wholesomeness of affected product (evaluation results shall be confirmed by the VIC);
• a written action plan, endorsed by the operator and designed to resolve and prevent a recurrence and including amendments to the HACCP system, shall be submitted to the VIC.

In the case of recurring non-compliance, unusually high condemnation rates or consistently ineffective corrective action, the VIC shall be kept aware of all test results for analysis and possible further action.

Each element of the process control and their interaction are explained below and are presented in the decision tree.

The MIR have precedence over the presentation decision tree (corrective measure(s) can be mandated at any time by the VIC).

19.6.2.3.4.5 Records

A separate Presentation Log form (see Annex A of this chapter) shall be used for each class of poultry or shift. If more than one species are slaughtered, the log must clearly indicate which tests correspond to which species slaughtered, e.g., with inserted blue or red vertical lines.

Because of differences of personnel and supervisors between shifts, test results for each shift shall be considered independently.

19.6.2.3.4.6 Line Speed

The line speed must be recorded for all tests. There is no maximum line speed for MPIP provided operations remain in compliance with MPIP requirements. However, if the line speed is reduced as a corrective action, then exceeding the decreased line speed is counted as a defect. Furthermore, management must immediately correct the line speed.

19.6.2.3.5 CFIA Responsibilities

The CFIA staff shall ensure that the presentation standards have been implemented and are being performed according to the operator's written program. Time(s) for the presentation test(s) shall be randomly selected prior to the start of the shift. This may be accomplished by performing independent verification tests and/or correlation tests with the industry monitor.

An independent test or a correlation test shall to be performed at a minimum of once per half shift/evisceration line. A minimum of two verification tests (one (1) independent and one (1) verification test) shall be performed and recorded each week by a veterinarian. The records must show that within one month each veterinarian working at the plant has performed at least one test of each kind.

The Presentation Standard Decision Tree is to be used by the presentation standards monitor and for reference by the CFIA.

The CFIA may perform an additional presentation test at any time as an additional assurance of process control or if they feel that standards are not being met for any reason.

19.6.2.3.5.1 Independent Verification Tests

The CFIA's independent verification tests shall be performed according to the following parameters:

• tests shall be performed on each evisceration line at the frequency indicated and according to the procedure previously described and an independent test shall be performed on each evisceration line;
• if the CFIA test result is equal to or exceeds the rejection number, the operator shall perform an immediate process evaluation test and, if required, initiate any action according to the presentation decision tree;
• the result of each test shall be compared to the operator's monitoring record; if the CFIA test result is not in agreement with the operator's tests, the Inspector shall discuss the test results with the (industry) presentation standards monitor and inform the VIC; and
• CFIA test results may be recorded on a separate Presentation Log (see Annex A of this chapter) or on the operator's records such that CFIA tests can be distinguished from tests conducted by the operator's presentation standards monitor.

19.6.2.3.5.2 Correlation Tests

Correlation testing consists of the CFIA conducting an evaluation of a test being performed by the operator's presentation standards monitor according to the following parameters:

• tests shall be performed on each evisceration line at the frequency indicated and according to the procedure previously described and a correlation test shall be performed on each evisceration line; this frequency may be increased according to the operator's compliance to the monitoring procedures and when a correlation test is performed, it replaces the independent CFIA test scheduled for that half shift;
• a member of the CFIA inspection staff shall examine the same carcasses at the same time as the industry monitor; and
• the monitor will be evaluated for the correct interpretation of defects, completion of forms, correct application of the decision tree and the implementation of corrective actions if necessary.

If the CFIA's evaluation demonstrates a lack of compliance to the presentation standard and/or the monitoring thereof, immediate corrective measures shall be initiated by the operator. The VIC shall decide if the written procedure is to be reassessed and amended accordingly.

19.6.2.3.6 Decision Tree for MPIP Presentation Standard Monitoring

Click on image for larger view

Decision Tree for MPIP Presentation Standard Monitoring

19.6.2.4 Defect Detection

Under the MPIP, designated defect detection employees shall be responsible for the detection of carcass, cavity and viscera defects on a carcass-by-carcass basis, so that defective carcasses are removed from the evisceration line.

Each carcass, cavity and viscera set must be visually examined.

The defect detection process shall be monitored as per the Defect Detection Standards (DDS) as part of the operator's HACCP System.

19.6.2.4.1 Training and Accreditation of Defect Detectors

Refer to Annex B of this chapter (Training and Accreditation Protocol).

19.6.2.4.2 Carcass Defect Detection Before Evisceration

Carcass defect detectors shall identify and remove obviously condemnable carcasses before evisceration. Preselection procedures must be performed at the transfer point from the slaughter line to the evisceration line, or at any other point selected by the operator prior to the eviscerator(s). It is generally accepted that there are few occasions in turkey processing for which preselection is required on an ongoing basis – especially where removal of obviously condemnable birds is performed at the farm level. MPIP therefore leaves to the discretion of the operator of the turkey slaughter establishment the option of implementing preselection based on the flock sheet information. Obviously condemnable turkey carcasses preselected by the carcass defect detector(s) need not be removed provided that such carcasses:

• are identified or marked;
• are not eviscerated;
• do not contact subsequent on-line employees and equipment; and
• are removed by the helper/trimmer after the defect detectors.

Note: The CFIA may require turkey flock preselection if turkey flocks show evidence of poor health, or of other defects or have not been properly handled. Lighting and facilities for holding preselected turkey carcasses must be readily available on site.

19.6.2.4.2.1 List of Carcass Defects

Carcasses affected with the following conditions are to be removed before evisceration. See the following section for a detailed explanation of each defect.

Carcass Defects	Chicken	Fowl	Turkey	Quail
Ascites	X	X	X	X
Cellulitis (NTOL) and Peri-Cloacal Cellulitis*	X	X	X	X
Dark Coloured Carcasses	X	X	X	X
Emaciation (extreme thinness)	X	X	X	X
Inadequate Bleeding (bright red carcass)	X	X	X	X
Pendulous Crop (with emaciation)	X		X	X
Septicaemia / Toxaemia	X	X	X	X
Sternal Bursitis / Infected Breast Blister (NT)		X	X	X
Xanthomatosis		X
Others: Arthritis, Synovitis and Valgus Varus Deformity with Emaciation	X	X	X	X

NT: Not Trimmable (too extensive for trimming)
NTOL: Not Trimmable On-line (too extensive for trimming at normal line speed)
*Note: Peri-Cloacal Cellulitis in considered to be a defect only for chicken under version 1 of the DDS (see section 19.6.2.5)

The following conditions may be too extensive to be trimmed (they will be condemned as "obviously condemnable") before evisceration or may be less extensive so as to be trimmable off-line in a hygienic and expeditious fashion before chilling. See the following section for a detailed explanation of each defect.

Carcass Defects	Chicken	Fowl	Turkey	Quail
Avian Keratoacanthoma (NTOL)	X		X	X
Extensive Bruising (NTOL)	X	X	X	X
Extensive Dermatitis (NTOL)	X	X	X	X
Extensive Mutilation/Overscalding (NTOL)	X	X	X	X
Marek's Disease (cutaneous form, NTOL)	X			X
Sternal Bursitis / Infected Breast Blister (NTOL)		X	X	X

NTOL: Not Trimmable On-line (too extensive for trimming at normal line speed)

19.6.2.4.2.2 Definitions of Carcass Defects

Arthritis/Synovitis/Tenosynovitis:
Carcasses affected with ruptured gastrocnemius tendon and/or presence of liquid and solid material within the joint are to be removed from the evisceration line if they are also emaciated.

Ascites (water belly):
Carcasses showing distended or ballooned abdomen (fluid wave) are to be removed from the evisceration.

For chicken, carcasses showing distended or ballooned abdomen (fluid wave) are to be removed from the evisceration only if they show evidence of associated conditions (e.g., emaciation and/or dark color and/or subcutaneous oedema).

Note: If the evaluation for the associated conditions for chicken carcasses cannot be performed on-line, all carcasses showing distended or ballooned abdomen (fluid wave) must be removed from the evisceration line for further assessment by a company detector or rejecter. If the operator has adequate facilities to segregate carcasses to prevent cross contamination, then affected carcasses without associated conditions may be put back on the line. Such carcasses must be returned to the evisceration line within 10 minutes of having been removed from the line.

Affected carcasses without secondary assessment performed by the operator (not showing associated conditions) presented to the CFIA veterinarian will be disposed of by the operator and will not be included on the condemnation/rejection reports.

Avian Keratoacanthoma:
This skin condition is a formation of deep crater-shaped ulcers mainly on the back. Remove the carcass if the affected skin area is too large to trim on-line.

Cellulitis:
Thickened, yellow coloured skin (may be with a honeycombed appearance). Remove chicken carcasses with Peri-Cloacal Cellulitis. Chicken carcasses with skin lesions smaller than 2 cm x 2 cm, including lesions on the legs and the wings of any dimension, may be passed if included within the operator's HACCP system. Remove turkey and fowl carcasses with extensive Cellulitis lesions. The Veterinarian in Charge will determine the criteria for the size of lesions which may be trimmed on-line for turkeys. Carcasses with scratches with only slight thickening and yellowing of the skin, not affecting underlying tissue, can be trimmed on-line.

Dark Coloured Carcasses (Cyanosis):
Carcasses with a dark blue-purple colour are to be removed from the line. Mild to moderately blue carcasses should be passed if the darker discolouration is the only significant finding, e.g., not emaciated. Carcasses with extremity petechiation ("blood spots"), but are otherwise normal, should be passed.

Emaciation:
Carcasses with extreme thinness and that are dark coloured must be removed from the line. Carcasses which are small (but with good finish or fleshing) may also be culled by the establishment detectors but are to be considered as a plant reject.

Extensive Bruising:
Carcasses must be removed if the affected area is too large to be trimmed on-line.

Inadequate Bleeding:
Carcasses with deep to brick red colour (head may still be attached or incomplete or no neck cut). For carcasses which are mildly red/blue, refer to the definition of Dark Coloured Carcasses (Cyanosis).

Marek's Disease (Cutaneous Marek's): Enlarged feather follicles often with yellowish coloured surrounding skin. Remove the carcass if the affected skin area is too large to trim on-line.

Mutilation:
Extensive crushing and/or deformation too large to be trimmed on-line.

Over scald:
Damaged skin/muscle too large to be trimmed on-line caused by an over scalding.

Pendulous Crop:
Carcasses are to be removed from the line only if affected with extensive pendulous crops (representing a risk of contamination), or if associated with poor carcass condition (emaciated), or if the carcass has a bad odour.

Sternal Bursitis/Infected Breast Blister:
Usually found in the breast or the keel area, sternal bursitis may be the result of a skin infection or a pectoral cyst. Remove the carcass if the affected area is too large to trim on-line.

Xanthomatosis:
Thick yellowish swellings may be present in the wattles, breast, abdomen and legs. The swelling may become a pendulous mass filled with a honey coloured liquid. Remove the carcass if the affected area is too large to trim on-line.

 

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