MEAT INSPECTION - AN OVERVIEW OF PRESENT PRACTICES AND FUTURE-TRENDS

This is a review of meat inspection literature, its history, current c oncerns and needs for the future. The value and limitations of meat in spection are discussed, along with the possible modifications or chang es that are being developed to modernize an increasingly outdated meth od of safeguarding public health. The potential of on-farm risk assess ment of slaughter animals and the practical considerations that need t o be overcome are outlined. The needs of the consumer and subsequent c hallenges to the meat and farming industry are proposed as the driving force behind the changes occurring in veterinary public health. The c urrent risks to consumers, from such microbial pathogens as Salmonella , Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Campylobacter infection, are highlighte d.