Hi All
As per the new regulation of CFIA, poultry slaughter plants are supposed to develop Animal Welfare Quality Control Program.
The requirement states " Slaughter plant operators must develop,implement and maintain a written animal welfare program specific for the species, sex, temperament and size and age of food animals they process.
Steps to developing a welfare program similar to hazard analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
Identify the hazards: Assess where and under what circumstances animals may experience avoidable distress or pain during transport, receiving, handling, lairage , stunning and bleed out.
Control the hazards: Design and implement procedures that will prevent or minimize excitement, discomfort, injury, distress and pain."
Can someone give me examples of what different types of hazards can be identified in this entire process. During our discussions some people are identifying bird stress, suffocation, injury, bone damage as the hazards while some consider, improper catching procedures, extreme temperatures, improper ventilation, broken crates, longer than anticipated travel times as some of the hazards.
Can someone please provide a clarification on this. Also, will the hazards need to be classified as physical and biological (don't think any chemical hazards would exist in this case)?
Please advise.
Thanks