Chapter 19 - Poultry Inspection Programs

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Annex B
Training and Accreditation Protocol

B.1. Introduction

It is industry's responsibility to produce safe and wholesome poultry products of acceptable quality. This is facilitated by having industry assume responsibility for detection and removal of defective poultry carcasses during the slaughter process. The CFIA has developed this training and accreditation protocol to ensure that establishment staff assigned to specific tasks carries out their duties competently, so that operations proceed under optimum conditions. The training and accreditation provided by CFIA staff shall be carried out as described herein. Company trainers must use equivalent procedures.

All employees assigned to one or more of the following five (5) positions must be trained and accredited as per this protocol:

• Defect detectors (carcass, cavity, viscera);
• Rejecters* (carcass and viscera);
• Presentation Standards monitors
• Defect Detection Standards (DDS) monitors; and
• Carcass Dressing Standards (CDS) monitors.

Establishment employees may be trained and accredited for all five (5) tasks or any combination thereof. Training and accreditation is also species-specific. For example, an employee who works on broiler and fowl defect detection must therefore be trained and accredited for both species. The operator must keep up-to-date records (Forms I to VI of this annex) of each employee's training and accreditation results for government audit. Copies of all available training and accreditation materials for the industry employees are to be maintained in the establishment office while the copies for the trainers are kept in the CFIA office.

Note: Establishment employees, which the operator wishes to assign to the rejection process, require a minimum of 6 months of practical experience as carcass and viscera defect detectors to qualify for training as rejecters.

B.2. General Accreditation Requirements

To become accredited, an employee must pass:

• A knowledge evaluation consisting of an off-line theoretical test; and
• An ability evaluation consisting of an on-line practical test.

Note: All employees assigned to the positions described in this Annex must posses the physical attributes required to perform their tasks such as:

• wear glasses (corrective lenses) when required to see fine details at high line speeds; and
• pass a test for colour-blindness to ensure that they can distinguish colour.

B.2.1. Accreditation Requirements for Establishment Trainers

The CFIA shall provide training and accreditation to designated establishment trainers for the five (5) positions previously listed. A specific accreditation is also required for each of the three (3) defect detection stations (carcass, viscera and cavity) and for each of the two (2) rejection stations (carcass and viscera).

A minimum of two (2) establishment employees shall be chosen by the operator to act as designated establishment trainers. Establishment trainers must perform in a manner satisfactory to the Veterinarian in Charge (VIC). If a replacement becomes necessary, CFIA staff shall train the new trainer as soon as possible.

Once trained and accredited, the establishment trainers shall function as trainers and accreditors for the remaining establishment employees. The CFIA verifies the Operator's written training and accreditation program to ensure that the delivery of that program is in compliance with all the requirements contained in this Annex.

The accreditation of the Establishment Trainers shall include:

Note:

• Evaluations for the trainer of defect detection/rejection are specific for each defect detection/rejection station (carcass, cavity or viscera)
• To ensure that the trainer of the DDS monitors have adequate knowledge of DDS defects, DDS monitor trainers also need to be accredited as a defect detector.
• An off-line defect detector does not work on the main evisceration line, such as: employees who eviscerate and assess for defects non eviscerated carcasses removed from the evisceration line; etc.
• The Trial Period of four (4) weeks for the trainer of defect detectors is not required unless the trainer(s) also functions as a replacement for any of the defect detection stations.

For the accreditation of the trainers of the Presentation Standards monitors, the DDS monitors and the CDS monitors, please refer to the sections related to the accreditation of these monitors.

B.2.2. Accreditation Requirements for Defect Detectors and Rejecters

As stated above, once the establishment trainers are accredited for defect detection and/or rejection, they may train and accredit establishment defect detectors or rejecters using the same training and accreditation process under which they were trained(plus, if applicable, the additional trial period).

The accreditation of the Defect Detectors and Rejecters shall include:

Note:

• All evaluations are specific to the defect detection/rejection station (carcass, cavity or viscera)
• An off-line defect detector does not work on the main evisceration line, such as: employees who eviscerate and assess for defects non eviscerated carcasses removed from the evisceration line; etc.

When employees have successfully completed each of these tests, they are accredited for the position(s) for which they have been trained.

B.2.3. Accreditation Requirements for Supervisors and Monitors

As stated above, once the establishment trainers are accredited, they may train and accredit establishment supervisors using the same training and accreditation process under which they were trained.

The accreditation of the Establishment Supervisors and monitors shall include:

Note:

• On-line tests and Trial Period of four (4) weeks for the defect detection/rejection supervisors and monitors are not required unless they also function as a replacement for any of the on-line defect detection stations.
• To ensure that DDS monitors have adequate knowledge of DDS defects, DDS monitor trainers also need to be accredited as a defect detector.

B.3. Training and Accreditation Procedures for Defect Detection/Rejection

B.3.1. Theoretical Training

The defect detector and the defect detector trainers shall be supplied with copies of the following training materials, for the type of poultry under which the training session is given:

Module IND-B1: Defect Detection - Chicken
Module IND-B2: Defect Detection - Fowl
Module IND-B3: Defect Detection - Turkey
Module IND-B4: Defect Detection - Secondary Species

After studying the available training materials, the defect detectors and defect detector trainers shall continue the theoretical training. The following training steps are recommended:

• The trainer shows the trainee a normal carcass indicating the proper conformation, coloration and size;
• The trainer dissects a carcass in order to clearly identify the internal and external anatomical structures;
• The trainer demonstrates normal viscera indicating the structures (liver, heart, gizzard, spleen etc.)
• The trainer explains the various conditions that must be recognized and identified using specimens (carcasses and viscera with various conditions) and training material developed for this purpose by the CFIA. The pathologies described are those most frequently encountered, e.g. subcutaneous condition (Cellulitis), respiratory condition (Airsacculitis, Pericarditis), liver condition (Hepatitis), etc.

Note: Training for rejections shall include the understanding of the corresponding condition names for recording purposes.

B.3.2. Theoretical Evaluation

This evaluation determines the employee's knowledge in order to identify specified defects. Employees must undergo this test once they have completed their theoretical training and prior to starting their ability or practical training.

The trainer shall follow the following procedure:

• Off-line test on twenty (20) carcasses/viscera.
• Time allotted: 10 minutes.
• Carcass/viscera selection criteria:
  • Choose carcasses and/or viscera that are representative of the defects that are commonly detected at the establishment;
  • Choose carcasses and/or viscera with obvious defects (avoid questionable cases or cases that are more difficult to interpret);
  • Choose carcasses and/or viscera that have only one defect each; and
  • Include one or two normal carcasses and/or viscera in the group.
• Carcasses/viscera should be identified with numbers so that they may be easily recognized if moved during the test.
• The employee must point out any defective carcass or defective viscera. The accreditor shall take note of the answers. This is an oral test since a written test is not always possible.
• One (1) point is given for each correct answer.

  Note: For the rejecter evaluation, a correct answer includes the identification of a defective carcass or viscera and the corresponding condition name for recording purposes.

• The passing mark is 95% or correct answers or nineteen (19) correct answers for the group of twenty (20) carcasses and/or viscera.
• Forms IV-a and IV-b found at the end of this document, "Theoretical Accreditation Record", are used to record test results.

The test score shall be reported as "passed" or "incomplete". When an employee fails the test, the accreditor shall identify where the problems are, and ensure that the employee receives additional training in this area before being tested again.

B.3.3. Practical Training

The objective of practical training is to reach the required ability for performing adequate defect detection directly on the evisceration line at normal operating line speeds. The theoretical accreditation must be completed before the practical training can begin.

For the time period specified in the operator's written training program, the employee shall work as a defect detector under the supervision of the accredited trainer. The trainee must correctly identify carcasses or viscera with specified defects. Once the trainee demonstrates on-going competence with the necessary practical skills at normal operating line speeds, the trainer can begin the practical evaluation.

B.3.4. Practical Evaluation

The practical evaluation test evaluates the employee's effectiveness under normal working conditions.

Tests must be scheduled so as to include all defects encountered at the establishment (suggest at least one test on a "bad flock" to reproduce worst case scenario).

The trainer shall follow the following procedure:

• The employee shall take his/her place as a defect detector and evaluate carcasses or viscera. The test must be carried out under normal operating conditions.
• The accreditor is positioned after the employee in order to evaluate the defect detector /rejecter 's performance. The evaluation is performed using one of the two following options:

  Option A: The accreditor evaluates the candidate's ability using an ISO sampling plan, randomly selecting 200 carcasses and/or viscera examined and accepted by the trainee for an on-line test for defect detection or 200 carcasses examined off-line and rejected or passed while performing off-line rejections. Candidates for performing rejections on-line must pass an off-line test on 200 carcasses screened out by the defect detectors for evaluation by the rejecter off-line before they may perform rejections on-line. (See the sampling procedure for the Defect Detection Standard in Chapter 19)

  Using an AQL of 0.4%, the passing criteria is a score of 2 defective carcasses/viscera or less (Acceptance number = 2) and the failure criteria is a score of 3 or more (Rejection number = 3).

  Option B: For an on-line test for defect detection, the accreditor evaluates all of the carcasses or viscera examined and passed by the candidate for a complete period of fifteen (15) minutes.

  The passing criteria is a minimum efficacy of 99.6 % [i.e. 100 - (number of defects missed ) number examined X 100)].

  If the operation is halted during the test, the period of stoppage must be taken into account so that the evaluation is based on a total time of fifteen (15) minutes.

• Should the accreditor find that an excessive number of carcasses or viscera are being selected when they should not have been (false positives), the evaluation must be stopped and the employee's supervisor informed of the situation. The test shall be repeated when the accreditor judges that the employee is no longer selecting normal carcasses or viscera.
• A missed defective carcass or viscera, represents an error on the part of the candidate. Each error is noted and counts for a demerit point.

  Note: For rejecters, a correct answer includes the identification of a defective carcass or viscera and the corresponding condition name for recording purposes.

• In order to pass the practical evaluation, the trainee must pass three on-line tests out of a maximum of 5 attempts.
• Form V, found at the end of this document, "Practical Accreditation Record", used to record test results.

When an employee fails the practical test, the accreditor must identify where the problems lie and ensure that the employee receives appropriate additional training in this area before being tested again. Each failed test may be resumed without having to start the practical training evaluation process all over again, but need only retake the failed test. However, when an establishment employee fails three (3) attempts out of five (5) consecutive tests, the VIC and the operator shall reassess the suitability of the training process and of the employee as a defect detector or rejecter.

B.4. Trial Period

A trial period is required for all defect detectors and/or rejecters. Once the trainee has successfully passed the theoretical and the practical evaluations, he or she shall begin a stipulated trial period of a minimum of four (4) working weeks. During this period, the employee shall perform independent defect detection or rejection and be evaluated on a weekly basis by the accredited establishment trainer, until the candidate has passed four (4) practical tests.

The practical evaluation procedure corresponds to one of the two options that are described previously in the "Practical Evaluation" section. On-line detectors or rejecters receive on-line evaluations and off-line detector or rejecters receive off-line evaluations.

The trial period ends when the employee has succeeded four (4) weekly evaluations. If the employee fails two (2) attempts, he or she must start the trial period over again. The accreditor will before identify the cause of the failures and correct them in an appropriate manner (e.g. additional period of training, or work pairing with a very qualified employee). Once the trial period has been successfully completed, the employee receives his/her accreditation.

Note: If employees are trained for more than one detection/rejection position, they must successfully pass four (4) weekly evaluations, for each position for which they are being trained. An employee may be evaluated on all positions during the same four (4) week period.

B.5. Periodic Review

The periodic review is to determine whether the level of skill of the employee remains still satisfactory. The frequency of this review must be specified in the company's written training program and shall not exceed 12 months. This periodical review of all establishment trainers is administered by a certified CFIA representative.

One evaluation is required for each defect detection or rejection position, subject to this protocol. The practical evaluation procedure corresponds to one of the two options that are described previously in the "Practical Evaluation" section.

If the employee's score does not meet the standards, the employee shall be notified of the errors made. The employee shall then have to take the test again as soon as possible. Employees who fail the test again will lose their accreditation. They shall be given appropriate training and undergo the entire accreditation process a second time. Employees who obtain satisfactory scores (whether on the first test or when taking the test again if they failed the first time) shall have their accreditation updated and be allowed to continue working in their positions.

B.6. Loss of Accreditation

Whenever a VIC determines that an accredited employee is not performing their tasks in a complete and proper manner, the VIC shall notify the operator.

The operator must take immediate corrective action. If, after the corrective action has been taken and the employee's performance is still not deemed satisfactory by the VIC, then the employee must undergo a practical evaluation. The test is conducted using the practical evaluation procedure of this protocol, but is given by the CFIA. However, since the quality of the employee's performance has already been called into question, the employee is permitted only one test (the employee does not have the right to take the test again). If the employee fails this test, the employee automatically loses his or her accreditation. From that moment on, the employee is not allowed to perform the duties of the position in question until such time as he or she has been reaccredited.

B.7. Reaccreditation

An employee must be fully reaccredited should any of the following arise:

• The employee has not worked in one of the positions included in this protocol for a twelve (12) month period; or
• The employee has failed two (2) consecutive periodic reviews as described previously in the section "Periodic Review"; or
• The employee has lost their accreditation as stipulated previously in the section "Loss of Accreditation".

To be reaccredited, the employee must go through the entire training and evaluation process again. Theoretical and practical training and evaluations (including the four (4) week trial period for the detectors/rejecters) are to be performed.

B.8. Grandfather Clause

Please note that this clause applies to those employees occupying positions that have been previously trained and accredited as per this protocol. If an employee has not worked in the given position for a twelve (12) month period, this clause does not apply.

Employees are eligible to be grandfathered provided they are judged acceptable by the VIC and pass a practical evaluation using the practical evaluation procedure of this protocol. Upon successful completion of this test the employee is considered as grandfathered for that position.

The employee's records shall state the positions for which he/she has been grandfathered.

B.9. Presentation Standards Trainers and Monitors

The CFIA shall train and accredit one (1) or two (2) establishment employees as Presentation Standards trainers. These trainers shall be responsible for the training and accreditation of the Presentation monitoring personnel.

Presentation Standards trainers and monitors with valid and documented accredited status as per this protocol shall maintain their accredited status for the Modernized Poultry Inspection Program (MPIP) and shall not require any further testing.

B.9.1. Theoretical Evaluation:

The operator's Presentation Standards trainers and monitors shall be supplied with copies of the following training materials:

Module IND-B5: Process Controls for the Poultry Industry
Module IND-BP: Industry Trainer's Manual

After studying the available training materials, Presentation Standards trainers and monitors shall be given a theoretical questionnaire. The Presentation Standards trainee must pass the theoretical questionnaire to be eligible for the practical evaluation.

B.9.2. Practical Evaluation:

The employee shall have the practical skills in the detection of the various presentation non-conformances, corrective actions, process action and the completion of the necessary forms.

Under the supervision of the accreditor, the practical evaluation shall consist of an actual Presentation Standards test as per Module IND-PS-1, the Industry Trainer's Manual.

The final test results of the theoretical and practical accreditation may be entered in the employee's training chart from the Trainer's manual.

B.10. Defect Detection Standards Trainers and Monitors

The CFIA shall train and accredit one (1) or two (2) establishment employees as Defect Detection Standards (DDS) trainers. These trainers shall be responsible for the training and accreditation of the DDS monitoring personnel.

DDS trainers and monitors who were accredited under another method of poultry inspection (e.g. Canadian Poultry Inspection Program (CPIP)) with valid and documented accredited status as per this protocol shall maintain their accredited status for MPIP and shall not require any further testing.

B.10.1. Theoretical Evaluation:

The operator's DDS trainers and monitors shall be supplied with copies of the following training materials:

Module IND-B5: Process Controls for the Poultry Industry
Module IND-BP: Industry Trainer's Manual

After studying the available training materials, DDS trainers and monitors shall be given a theoretical questionnaire. The DDS trainee must pass the theoretical questionnaire to be eligible for the practical evaluation.

B.10.2. Practical Evaluation:

Practical skills in the detection of the various carcass and/or viscera conditions, corrective actions, process action and the completion of the necessary forms, shall be evaluated.

Under the supervision of the accreditor, the practical evaluation shall consist of an actual DDS test as per Module IND-DDS-1, the industry trainer's manual.

The final test results of the theoretical and practical accreditation may be entered in the employee's training chart in the Trainer's manual, IND-DDS-1.

B.11. Carcass Dressing Standards Trainers and Monitors

The CFIA shall train and accredit one (1) or two (2) establishment employees as Carcass Dressing Standards (CDS) trainers. These trainers shall be responsible for the training and accreditation of the CDS monitoring personnel.

B.11.1. Theoretical Evaluation

The operator's CDS trainers and monitors shall be supplied with copies of the following training materials:

Module IND-B4: Defect Detection - Secondary Species
Module IND-B5: Process Controls for the Poultry Industry

After studying the available training materials, CDS trainers and monitors shall be given a theoretical questionnaire. The CDS monitoring person must pass the theoretical questionnaire to be eligible for the practical evaluation.

B.11.2. Practical Evaluation

Practical skills in the detection of the various dressing defects, corrective actions, process action and the completion of the necessary forms, shall be evaluated. These practical skills shall be evaluated.

Under the supervision of the accreditor, the practical evaluation shall consist of an actual CDS test as per Module IND-CDS-1, the Industry Trainer's manual.

The final test results of the theoretical and practical accreditation may be entered in the employee's training chart in the Industry Trainer's manual, IND-CDS-1.

B.12. CFIA's Role in Relation to this Accreditation Protocol

The CFIA shall provide training to all designated establishment trainers according to this protocol and shall maintain a copy of their accreditation records. All subsequent training, accreditation and documentation shall be the responsibility of the operator. Records must be maintained for CFIA reference, audit and verification purposes.

SUMMARY OF ACCREDITATION TESTING

ON-LINE DEFECT DETECTORS / REJECTERS ACCREDITATION TESTING

Stages	Minimum Required No. of Tests Passed	Passing Criteria	Passing Criteria
Theoretical Evaluation	1 (off-line)	95% (19/20)	95% (19/20)
Practical Evaluation	3 (on-line)	Option A: AQL = 0.4 % Ac =2, Re = 3	Option B: 99.6% efficacy
Trial Period	4 (on-line)	Option A: AQL = 0.4 % Ac =2, Re = 3	Option B: 99.6% efficacy

 

 

B.13. Training and Accreditation Forms

The CFIA has developed industry training and accreditation forms (see list below) and they are included in the document "Module IND B-P Poultry Industry Trainer's Manual".

POULTRY INDUSTRY ACCREDITATION FORMS

FORM	TITLE
FORM 1	Industry training chart: Defect detectors and rejecters
FORM 1.1	Industry theoretical training record: Carcass defect detector and carcass rejecter
FORM 1.2	Industry theoretical training record: Cavity defect detector
FORM 1.3	Industry theoretical training record: Viscera defect detector and viscera rejecter
FORM 1.4	Industry theoretical accreditation record: Carcass/cavity/viscera defect detector
FORM 1.5	Industry theoretical accreditation record: Carcass/viscera rejecter
FORM 1.6	Industry practical accreditation record: Carcass/cavity/viscera defect detector / rejecter
FORM 2	Industry training chart: Process control monitors
FORM 2.1	Industry practical accreditation record: Process controls practical evaluation results
FORM 3	Training Summary for all Accredited Positions

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