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The Weigh and Trim Program is an
effective tool in developing
and maintaining consistent standards and credibility
in settlement for the sale of beef cattle on a live or
dressed
weight basis in Ontario. This program has been funded
under a partnership between the Ontario Cattlemen’s
Association (OCA) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) since January 1986.
Ontario’s Weigh and Trim inspector, Bill Lowe, has a mandate
to monitor sales barns and slaughter plants for compliance
under several acts and regulations. These include the Beef
Cattle Marketing Act, the Livestock Community Sales Act, the
Meat Inspection Act (Ontario), and the Canadian Agriculture
Products Act (beef grading). The Weigh and Trim Inspector
works in the Policy and Audit Services Unit of the OMAFRA’s
Food Inspection Branch, reporting to program manager,
Dr. Robert Vanderwoude.
In 2006, Bill Lowe traveled 38,534 km across the province
to:
• Conduct 34 inspections in the federal and provincial
slaughter facilities, monitor compliance with carcass
weigh and trim requirements and advise on required
procedures
that also meet hygienic dressing requirements;
• Conduct 122 inspections in licensed livestock auction
markets monitoring the weighing of live animals, disease
control and proper handling of livestock from an animal
welfare perspective. |
