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Chapter 19 - Poultry Inspection Programs

19.1 INTRODUCTION

19.1.1 Amendment Process

Suggestions and requests for change/improvements to this policy may be made by anyone within the Agency or in Industry. Proposed amendments to this policy shall be forwarded to:

Chief, Poultry Inspection Programs,
Food of Animal Origin Division,
Animal Products Directorate,
Canadian Food Inspection Agency,
59 Camelot Drive,
Nepean, ON. K1A 0Y9

Said proposals must be accompanied by supporting documentation, as applicable. Upon receipt, all proposals must undergo review by the Chief, Poultry Inspection Programs, and must be subsequently approved by the Director, Food of Animal Origin Division (FAOD), Animal Products Directorate for incorporation into this document.

Once amendments have been approved, their integration into policy and the subsequent production and distribution of revision are the responsibility of the Chief, Poultry Inspection Programs, FAOD.

19.1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

19.1.3 Plant Construction and Equipment

For all requirements concerning plant construction and equipment, please see Chapter 2 of this manual.

19.2 Humane Treatment

19.2.1 General Requirements

19.2.1.1 Transportation

The persons or firms responsible for the pick up of food animals and their transportation and delivery to a slaughterhouse are fully responsible for the welfare of the animals from the time of loading until the time of unloading at the slaughterhouse.

Animal transport is subject to Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations. The requirements under the above regulations include provisions in regard to:

• watering and feeding;
• loading and unloading;
• overcrowding;
• segregation of animals from different animal species;
• ventilation;
• protection from inclement weather; and
• prevention of undue suffering of animals.

19.2.1.2 Humane handling

Operators of federally registered establishments and operators of domestic plants receiving CFIA inspection services under a federal / provincial agreement are fully responsible for humane pre-slaughter handling and for the humane stunning and slaughter of food animals on their premises.

19.2.1.3 Stunning methods

Except for ritual slaughter, all food animals slaughtered in registered establishments and domestic plants shall be rendered insensitive (stunned) prior to slaughter. Stunning must be carried out by a method satisfactory under the Meat Inspection Act and Regulations. All stunning devices require CFIA acceptance. The following methods to render an animal unconscious may be used:

• electrical stunning: In the case of animals which are rendered unconscious by reversible electrical stunning, the stun to stick interval should not exceed 30 seconds;

• stunning by exposure to a gas or a gas mixture;

• rapid decapitation: birds or rabbits may also be killed (instead of rendered unconscious) in this manner.

Plant management of registered establishments and domestic plants is fully responsible for the training and supervision of personnel carrying out the stunning and slaughter of food animals on their premises.

After the proper stunning of poultry the carotid artery and jugular vein shall be immediately severed such that the bird dies from exsanguination of blood. The presence of mild to brick red carcasses at preselection may be an indication of improper sticking.

Whenever there are inadequately bled carcasses (mildly red to brick red) this may indicate that live birds are entering the scald tank. The company must set a limit on the number of red birds per lot (reference www.grandin.com/poultry.audit.html ). Whenever the limit set by the company is found at pre-selection or after the scald tank and prior to the head pulling mechanism to have been exceeded, the company shall evaluate the stunning and killing procedures. Immediate corrective actions shall be instituted to correct inadequate stunning or bleeding. Industry management shall notify the Veterinarian in Charge when excessive number of red carcasses are present. There is no tolerance for birds with no neck cut/no cut, as the back up sticker is the fail safe for birds missing the automatic neck cutter. Any such occurrence must be immediately reported to the VIC, investigated by the company, corrective actions taken and preventive measures put in place.

19.2.2 Responsibilities of CFIA

In regards to food animals in registered establishments, it is the responsibility of veterinarians and inspectors under the Health of Animals Regulations and the Meat Inspection Regulations to monitor:

• transportation;

• humane handling; and

• humane stunning and slaughter.

19.2.2.1 Enforcement actions by CFIA

19.2.2.1.1 Delivery of food animals to slaughterhouses

Violations of transportation regulations shall be reported to the Regional Veterinary Officer for further investigation. Veterinarians-in-charge shall collect and maintain as much evidence as possible in regard to such incidences. Court action may be initiated by CFIA in consultation with departmental legal advisors.

19.2.2.1.2 Pre-slaughter accommodation and handling of food animals

Unsatisfactory conditions concerning animal holding facilities shall be brought to the attention of plant management before they become critical. The use of areas in serious violation of the requirements under the Meat Inspection Act and Regulations shall be stopped until they are brought up to standard.

Inhumane handling of food animals on the plant premises shall not be tolerated by CFIA.

In the event of lack of corrective action, enforcement action including halting of stunning and slaughter operations shall be taken.

19.2.2.1.3 Stunning and slaughter of food animals

The inspection staff shall monitor on an ongoing basis the stunning and slaughter of food animals. Whenever an inspector observes inhumane treatment of food animals the inspector shall immediately halt stunning and slaughter operations until management of the slaughter plant has taken effective corrective action. In cases of non-cooperation, or flagrant violation of provisions of the Meat Inspection Regulations, legal action may be initiated.

19.3 ANTEMORTEM INSPECTION

19.3.1 Antemortem

19.3.1.1 Introduction

An antemortem inspection within 24 hours preceding slaughter in a registered establishment is a mandatory requirement under the Meat Inspection Regulations. It is plant management's responsibility to ensure that only those flocks that have received antemortem examination are permitted to proceed to the slaughter floor.

19.3.1.2 Objectives

Antemortem inspection serves the following purposes:

• To identify flocks showing clear evidence of being affected with a disease or condition that could render the carcass unfit for human consumption.
• To identify animals which could pose a threat to the health of personnel handling the carcasses.
• To identify suspect flocks that require segregation and separate slaughter.
• To identify flocks which are suspected of having been treaded with antibiotics or other chemotherapeutic agents.
• To identify flocks that may result in heavily contaminated carcasses during the evisceration operations.
• To identify flocks which are suspected of having a reportable or exotic disease.
• To make a disposition regarding the suitability of flocks for slaughter.
• To identify flocks requiring special handling for humane reasons.

It is essential that there be a good system of communication for relaying information obtained at antemortem inspection / examination to the inspection staff conducting post-mortem inspection and / or to defect detectors conducting post-mortem examinations. This information is relayed by means of a properly completed CFIA 1438 form.

19.3.1.3 Facilities and manpower requirements

To enable adequate antemortem inspection to be carried out, certain minimum facility requirements must be provided by plant management (see Chapter 2 and the Meat Inspection Regulations). In addition to the facility requirements, adequate manpower assistance must be provided to move and identify flocks as required.

19.3.2 Antemortem Procedures

19.3.2.1 Preliminary industry evaluation

Plant management is responsible for segregating flocks showing visible abnormalities from normal flocks.

19.3.2.2 Routine ante-mortem inspection by CFIA

In the case of rabbits and poultry, observation in crates is sufficient for routine examination. The droppings present in the crates should also be observed. During this phase of antemortem inspection, flocks seen to be exhibiting evidence of disease or deviation from normal must be segregated and set aside for detailed veterinary inspection. All identified reactors must be segregated at the time of arrival at the establishment.

N.B.: For establishments exporting to the European Union (E.U.), or to countries demanding inspection to E.U. requirements, a veterinarian must perform antemortem inspection on all birds.

Lots which pass ante-mortem inspection must be identified by form CFIA 1438, which should record the following information:

• the number of birds in the lot
• the time and date of inspection
• the signature or initials of the inspector who performed the ante-mortem screening.

19.3.2.3 In-depth ante-mortem inspection by CFIA

All flocks segregated as a result of routine inspection are to be subjected to a detailed veterinary inspection. Based on his findings, the veterinarian will make one of the following dispositions:

• the flock is to be permitted to proceed for normal slaughter;
• the flock is to be deemed a suspect and is to be set aside for separate slaughter, along with other suspects, preferably at the end of normal slaughter;
• the flock is to be deemed a suspect but, for humane reasons, is to proceed for immediate slaughter;
• the flock is to be condemned.

19.3.3 Procedures due to special circumstances

19.3.3.1 Suspect, Reactor and Condemned Flocks

Suspect and/or reactor flock crate(s) should be tagged and an ante-mortem examination report (AGR 1438) is to be completed giving particulars such as description, identification of flock, details of findings, owner's name, address, etc.

19.3.3.1.1 Suspect Flocks

It is imperative that all suspects flocks be properly identified throughout the slaughter process, i.e., from the live bird receiving room to the final inspection station. Except for immediate slaughter for humane reasons, it is necessary to schedule suspects for separate slaughter, preferably at the end of the regular kill. This minimizes disruption of operations.

19.3.3.1.2 Reactor Flocks

In the case of identified reactors, ante-mortem inspection shall be performed while these birds are held in segregation.

All reactors shall be slaughtered separately and apart from the regular kill, and the identity of the flock must be carefully preserved throughout the dressing operation. It is preferable to slaughter reactors at the end of day's kill.

19.3.3.1.3 Flocks condemned on ante-mortem inspection

All flocks condemned on ante-mortem inspection shall be identified by a tag or other device showing the word CONDEMNED. In addition, full details ( flock identification, owner's name and address, reason for condemnation), should be entered on the ante-mortem examination report (AGR 1438).

Following condemnation, birds are to be stunned, killed and removed to the inedible section of the establishment.

Condemned birds, carcasses of such birds and found deads are not permitted to pass through the slaughter floor or other edible areas of the establishment.

19.3.3.2 Cleaning and disinfection

Slaughter floor, equipment, yards, etc., which have been used to hold or move suspect, reactor or condemned flocks, are to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, as judged to be necessary by the Veterinarian in Charge.

Trucks and crates used to convey birds for slaughter are to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected under the supervision of an inspector.

19.3.4 Flock Sheets: Producers / Processors Information Exchange

19.3.4.1 Introduction

The flock sheet provides the processor with the necessary level of confidence that identified potential chemical and biological hazards associated with live domestic poultry have been considered, and to the extent possible, controlled and/or prevented at the farm level and/or during transportation. This section covers both minimal information requirements to be maintained by the processing establishment and those to be provided by the producers. Flock sheet data allows CFIA staff to judge if the establishment operator is taking the necessary preventive measures to evaluate incoming flocks according to the written specifications contained in their recognized HACCP system.

The Meat Inspection Regulations provides a regulatory basis for the mandatory submission and the enforcement thereof of ante-mortem information. The regulations will facilitate auditing of the information on submitted flock sheets and the implementation of on-farm HACCP-consistent programs as developed by the CTMA and CFC.

A standardized flock sheet for chickens, turkeys and fowl has been developed on a national basis by the following organizations:

• Chicken Farmers of Canada
• Canadian Turkey Marketing Agency
• Canadian Egg Marketing Agency
• Canadian Broiler Hatching Egg Marketing Agency

A copy of the current standardized flock sheet could be obtained from the respective provincial chicken and/or turkey marketing boards where as plant is located. This standardized copy also applicable to spent broiler breeder flocks, geese, pheasants, quail etc. For other classes of birds, abattoir operators should develop a customized version by either using the flock sheets designed for chicken and turkey as templates or by developing their own provided they contain all the requisite information.

Confidentiality of flock sheets between Processors and Producers - Suggestion to processors:

Indicate in your HACCP plan, receiving policy that "copies of the flock sheets are not to be made for distribution other than for internal use by the processor".

Also, a paragraph worded in proper legal terms on the following is warranted:

"The information gathered with the flock sheet is to be used for the intended purposes. Any use other than the intended food safety issues can be considered a breach of the right to confidentiality laws in Canada. Employees that use the information for other purposes can be prosecuted."

19.3.4.2 Flock Sheets for Chickens and Turkeys

19.3.4.2.1 Information to Be Provided by the Producer (Or Grower)

Before shipping live birds for the first time to a slaughter establishment, a producer must provide the processor with the name, address and telephone number(s) of the veterinary service(s) servicing their operation. Producers must advise processors of any changes.

Unless information contained in items 19.3.4.2.1 (1) - (11) are received in a timely manner, processors shall not schedule the pickup of the birds.

19.3.4.2.2 Information to Be Provided by the Lead Catcher and/or Carrier:

19.3.4.2.3 Information to Be Provided by the Processor and/or Collated in the Growers' Profile:

19.3.4.2.4 Steps for the Submission of Information to the Processor by the Producer

Flock sheets shall be submitted according to the following sequence:

19.3.4.2.4.1 Advance Copy

A partially filled "advance" copy shall be sent 3-4 days prior to catching. This copy shall contain the information described in items (1) - (11).

Two (2) days prior to processing, the processor (establishment operator) shall contact the producer (farmer) and provide him/her with the planned catching time and the planned processing time in order to maximize the feed withdrawal process and minimize the contamination during evisceration. At that time, if the advance copy has not been received by the processor, the operator must inform the farmer that the catching crew cannot be scheduled until an advance copy is received by the processor.

19.3.4.2.4.2 Completed Copy

A fully completed copy, including the signed attestation and the signature at the time of loading by the producer, shall accompany the birds at the time of shipment.

When multiple truckloads are to the same processor, only one flock sheet is required and it should accompany the last load. The processor may commence slaughtering the first truck load based on the receipt of the advance copy and confirmation from the lead catcher and/or carrier that the completed flock sheet will accompany the last load.

When shipments from one barn are to be sent to different processing plants, each processing plant shall receive an advance copy and a completed version of the flock sheet. This also applies to "trade-in" shipments.

When barns are not emptied all at the same time and various sections/floors are not submitted to the same feed withdrawal protocol, different flock sheets shall be filled for each shipment.

If a flock arrives at the slaughtering establishment without a completed flock sheet, the processor shall immediately contact the producer who will be requested to immediately supply the missing information. The Veterinarian in Charge shall be notified and the flock rescheduled for slaughter pending receipt of the missing information.

If the producer cannot be contacted or if the producer refuses to provide the missing information, the processor shall inform the producer that the birds will be slaughtered subject to the following subsection titled "Enforcement Actions by CFIA for Missing or Incomplete Flock Sheets".

19.3.4.3 Flock sheets for spent hens or culled breeders

In the case of mature poultry (spent chicken or turkey hens or culled breeders), the following subsection outlines the information that must be provided with each lot prior to slaughter for review by the processor and the Veterinarian in Charge. All applicable information (items 9, 14, 16 and 17) must be entered into the computerized database by the operator.

With respect to live imports from the US, it is required that a similar flock sheet and the ante-mortem information contained in items (1) to (17) be made available to the Veterinarian in Charge and the evisceration manager with each incoming flock as well as a declaration from US producers regarding the disease free status for each imported flock .

19.3.4.3.1 Information to Be Provided by The Producer of Spent Hens or Culled Breeders:

Before shipping live birds for the first time to a slaughter establishment, a producer must provide the processor with the name, address and telephone number(s) of the veterinary service(s) servicing their operation. Producers must advise processors of any changes.

19.3.4.4 Prevention of Violative Drug Residues Associated with Extra label Drug Usage

19.3.4.4.1 Drug type definitions and associated reference services

• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API's)

  Are compounds which may be used as ingredients for manufacturing drugs or by individuals for treating livestock. An API is often of unknown composition and purity, has no Maximum Residue Level (MRL), and no Drug Identification Number (DIN). Therefore a withdrawal period cannot be determined for an API. Poultry should not be treated with an API. Flocks treated with an API must be tested prior to shipment for slaughter or be slaughtered under a "hold & test" regime" as described later in this subsection.

• Approved Drugs:

  Approved drugs are veterinary drugs which have been reviewed and approved by the Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD) of Health Canada (HC) and where an officially approved label indicates the conditions of use including the:

  • species e.g. chicken and/or turkey;
  • indications for use e.g. to prevent coccidiosis or to treat respiratory disease;
  • route of administration e.g. water, feed or injection;
  • range of dosage and frequency or length of treatment; and
  • precautions which may include a withdrawal period.

  Labels for approved drugs may not indicate a withdrawal period. When no withdrawal period is specifically included in the HC approved label, none is required to assure food safety. (HC has informed CFIA that for practical purposes, a zero-day withdrawal interval is six (6) hours after the last administration of the drug in poultry).

  All HC approved drugs are issued a Drug Identification Number (DIN).

• Banned Drugs:

  Banned drugs are drugs which are banned by Health Canada (HC) from sale for administration in animals intended for use as human food. Animals treated with banned drugs are deemed to be adulterated under both the Food and Drugs Act & Regulations and the Meat Inspection Regulations even if they contain no detectable residues.

  Drugs banned under the Food & Drugs Regulations from use in poultry intended for slaughter for use as human food include the following:

  a. Chloramphenicol;
  b. 5-nitrofuran compounds;
  c. Clenbuterol;
  d. Diethylstilbesterol (DES);
  e. Exogenous oestrogenic substances; and
  f. Oestrogenic activity

  The list of banned drugs can be found on the VDD website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/vetdrugs-medsvet/pub_banned_drugs_e.html

• Emergency Drug Release (EDR):

  An authorization under the Food and Drug Regulations, to permit the manufacturer of a new drug to sell a limited quantity of the new drug to a veterinary practitioner. The new drug is one which is not marketed in Canada and is requested by the practitioner for the purpose of diagnosing or treating a medical emergency in a patient under his or her care. The permit, issued by the Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD), Health Canada (HC), for the EDR, should include a withdrawal period determined by the VDD based on information supplied by the drug manufacturer.

• Extra Label Use (ELU):

  The use of a drug product in a manner that is not consistent with what is indicated on the label, package insert or product monograph of any drug product approved by HC, e.g. alternate species such as chickens versus cattle (or even chickens versus turkeys) or increased dosage.

  Note: For the purposes of this section, ELU drugs will include Off-Label Use of drugs as defined below.

• Illegal Veterinary Drugs:

  The Food and Drugs Act & Regulations refer to illegal sale of drugs, but not to "illegal drugs" per se. Hence, illegal sales are sales of drugs that are not approved in Canada.

• Limit of Detection:

  Maximum sensitivity of laboratory tests for specific residues. It may be referred to as "zero" residues. It is commonly in the range of 1-10 ppb.

• Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) and Administrative Maximum Residue Limit (AMRL):

  Maximum levels permitted in specified edible tissue sold as food (e.g. chicken fat or muscle) for specific drug residues as determined by Health Canada. The Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) are listed in Table III of Division 15 of the Food and Drugs Regulations. MRL's, including for AMRL's, are posted on the Health Canada web site at the following URL: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/vetdrugs-medsvet/index_e.html

• Off-Label Use:

  Use of an unapproved drug product or drug substance which was never approved by a Canadian regulatory authority. Includes the use of a drug under the EDR program or a vaccine under a single entry permit.

• Single Entry Permit (vaccines)

  A permit issued under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations by the Veterinary Biologics Section (VBS), Animal Health & Production Division, CFIA, for a veterinarian to import unlicensed veterinary biologics from the United States for use under their supervision, in emergency situations. This provision is restricted to products which are licensed by the Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for sale in the United States. Imported products must be shipped directly from the manufacturer, and used under the supervision of the importing veterinarian. The withdrawal period should be included on the product label.

• Unapproved drugs:

  A drug product which does not have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). A drug which was never approved by a Canadian regulatory authority.

• Canadian Global Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (cgFARAD):

  The cgFARAD provides expert-mediated decision support to veterinarians for any inquiry related to drug or chemical residues in food animals. However, the cgFARAD will not give a recommendation of a withdrawal time for drugs without a Drug Identification Number (DIN). A drug must have been registered for use in Canada for humans or at least one animal species to have a DIN.

  Veterinarians wanting to contact cgFARAD: Veterinarians prescribing extra-label use of drugs may obtain a recommendation for a withdrawal interval based on available information contained in the gFARAD database by calling the global Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database (gFARAD) at 1-866-CGFARAD, by emailing cgfarad@umontreal.ca or through the web site at cgfarad@usask.ca

  Note: The Canadian gFARAD is a non profit academic service independent of CFIA or VDD and may require up to 3 weeks to respond to a request. Some more common requests may be processed more rapidly.

  The Veterinarian in Charge may contact the cgFARAD at 1-866-CGFARAD (cgfarad@umontreal.ca) to discuss the science-basis for the withdrawal interval on the flock sheet with the veterinary experts specializing in pharmacokinetics at the cgFARAD.

• Canadian Association of Poultry Practitioners (CAPP) Reference table:

  Historical compilation from the Canadian Association of Poultry Practitioners, of cgFARAD recommendations to poultry practitioners, presented in table format. Recommendations for new requests are added to the table as received. The following information is attached to every entry:

  • the generic and brand names of the drug,
  • the species,
  • the disease/condition,
  • the range of dosages,
  • the route of administration,
  • the cgFARAD recommended withdrawal period,
  • the date the FARAD recommendation was made and
  • the CAPP reference number.

  The CAPP reference table is posted on the following website -www.capv-acva.ca Access to the reference table is restricted to licensed veterinarians who are members of the CAPP. All entries are linked to the most recent cgFARAD original document (from which nominative information has been removed). Maintenance of the website and updates of drug withdrawal periods (minimum of once every two years) is the responsibility of CAPP.

  A CFIA Veterinarian in Charge, who is not a member of the CAPP, may contact the area program network veterinary program specialist to obtain a copy of the CAPP reference table for their personal use. The table is to be treated as a confidential document. It is never to be shown to anyone who is not a veterinarian employed by the CFIA or a member of the CAPP.

• CAPP reference #:

  Reference number linked to every entry of the CAPP reference table. For new cases, the cgFARAD is consulted and the cgFARAD reference number is used until it is included in the CAPP reference table.

19.3.4.4.2 Extra label use of drugs

Extra label use (ELU) of drugs may be required by veterinarians to prevent and/or treat various diseases in poultry to ensure food safety and/or animal welfare. The goal of this policy is to assure compliance with Canadian regulatory requirements and to facilitate human food safety and not to restrict veterinarians to prescribe drugs which is the responsibility of the veterinarian and his/her respective provincial veterinary licensing association. Extra label use of veterinary drugs for feeds is restricted to a veterinary prescription under the Food and Drugs Regulations.

Flocks treated with extra label drugs require a copy of the veterinary prescription and accompanying CAPP reference # to be submitted, at the latest, with the advance copy of the flock sheet. If flocks are treated with extra-label drugs after the advance copy of the flock sheet has been submitted, the producer will forward a copy of the veterinary prescription and accompanying CAPP reference number immediately to the processor, and this must be prior to shipping the flock.

19.3.4.4.3 Prescriptions and Determination of the Withdrawal Period for Extra Label use of Drugs

When extra label use of drugs is required, veterinarians shall supply the producer with a prescription which includes the withdrawal time and the CAPP or cgFARAD reference number for recording on the advance copy of the flock sheet. Veterinarians prescribing extra label use of drugs may obtain a withdrawal period consistent with Canadian regulatory requirements from the CAPP reference table or by contacting cgFARAD.

19.3.4.4.4 Declaration of Extra Label Drug Use on the Flock Sheets

In the case of extra label drug use, the flock sheet must be completed as normal. In addition, a copy of the veterinary prescription containing information on the withdrawal period, the name of the veterinarian who prescribed the drug, the date of the prescription, the condition being treated and the CAPP reference number must be submitted with the advance copy of the flock sheet.

19.3.4.4.5 Assessment of Medication Information on Flock Sheets

Operators shall update their establishment specific HACCP system relating to the receiving of live poultry. It shall address the hazard of drug residues to be controlled as reflected in information contained on the flock sheets.

A printed copy of information on drug products approved by HC and available at the aforementioned web sites is contained in the "Compendium of Medications for Poultry"

Published by North American Compendiums Ltd., P.O. Box 39, Hensall, Ontario, N0M 1X0 (Telephone 1-800-350-0627)

For drugs added to medicated feeds, the "Compendium of Medicated Ingredients Brochure", or MIB, may be consulted at the following website: "http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/feebet/mib/cmibe.shtml".

Operators shall provide one or more designated employees to be trained by the Veterinarian in Charge for reviewing the information on the advance copy of the flock sheets. All flock sheets indicating that a veterinary drug was used to treat or prevent a disease shall be referred to the Veterinarian-in-Charge (VIC).

If the advance copy of the flock sheet lists an approved drug, but withdrawal time information is not recorded on the flock sheet, then the operator shall contact the producer for the information. The subject flock shall not be scheduled for pick-up until an amended advance copy of the flock sheet with the missing information is received by the operator.

The processor shall immediately advise the Veterinarian in Charge of the extra label use listing on the flock sheets.

Information recorded on flock sheets related to the use of veterinary drugs should be evaluated during Ante Mortem examination / inspection at the poultry slaughtering establishment using the decision tree contained in the following section.

19.3.4.4.5.1 Vaccines

Vaccines are also subject to withdrawal times to:

• assure freedom from tissue damage and/or drug residues at the injection site;
• avoid residues from preservatives in edible tissue; and
• protect humans and/or animals from pathogens in live vaccines.

Withdrawal periods for veterinary vaccines may also be obtained at the aforementioned websites (refer to previous sub-section) for veterinary drugs. Withdrawal periods for veterinary vaccines, as contained on the product label approved by the Veterinary Biologics Section, Animal Health and Production Division (AHPD), CFIA, shall also be reported on the flock sheet. Withdrawal times for vaccines are commonly 21 days or longer.

19.3.4.4.5.2 Decision Tree for Assessment of Drugs Listed on a Flock Sheet

Question 1: Banned Drug ?

If Yes = ADULTERATED. Flocks are to be condemned on Ante Mortem examination or inspection.

If No, go to question 2.

Question 2: Approved Drug ?

If Yes, go to question 3.

If no, go to question 4.

Question 3: Was the Drug Used as per the Approved Label ?

If Yes = RELEASE FOR SLAUGHTER

If No, go to question 4.

Question 4: Extra Label Drug -

Is there an Attached Copy of a Veterinary Prescription ?

If Yes, AND

The veterinary prescription Indicates a withdrawal period obtained from the cgFARAD or the CAPP reference table or an EDR or a vaccine vial for a vaccine listed on a Single Issue Permit;

OR

Flock tested and attached copy of lab report (see below) indicates compliance with Canadian MRL or AMRL or non-detectable residues;

Then, RELEASE FOR SLAUGHTER

If No = "Hold and Test".

Flocks treated with the Extra - Label Drugs that are received at the establishment without a copy of the corresponding veterinary prescription and the

• CAPP or cgFARAD reference number; or a
• Copy of the HC issued EDR form indicating a withdrawal period; or a
• Copy of the Single Issue Permit for a vaccine issued by the VBS, CFIA and a copy of the corresponding label indicating a withdrawal period, will be slaughtered subject to a "Hold and Test" regime (refer to subsection below).

The Veterinarian in Charge may at any time, for cause, (e.g. based on past compliance of a producer, pathology visible after evisceration, or other information) require a flock to be tested for specified drug residue(s). In each case, the CFIA area veterinary poultry inspection program specialist shall be contacted to confirm that testing is warranted. All associated costs shall be at the operator's expense.

19.3.4.4.6 Testing Live Birds /Flocks after Extra Label Use of Drugs

Producers in consultation with their veterinarians may test flocks treated with extra label drugs in advance of shipping the flock. Such testing is solely a decision of the producer and cannot be mandated by CFIA. The laboratory report of such tests should be attached to the advance copy of the flock sheet.

For the CFIA Veterinarian in Charge (VIC) of the federally inspected slaughtering establishment to accept the lab report referred to in the preceding paragraph, the following conditions apply:

• The report must be issued by a laboratory accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) or a provincial or university laboratory using an internationally accepted method for the specific veterinary drug or it's corresponding metabolite ;
• Samples from the treated flock submitted to the laboratory must be collected, under the supervision of a provincially licensed veterinary poultry practitioner, from live birds which are representative of the flock; and
• The laboratory report indicates compliance with the applicable Canadian Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) or Administrative Maximum Residue Limit (AMRL) as listed in Table III of Division 15 of the Food and Drugs Regulations or as listed on the VDD website (AMRL) or that there was no detectable residue of the ELU drug or applicable metabolite.

Flocks arriving at a slaughtering establishment without adequate assurance of compliance, (as described above) with Canadian requirements for residues of veterinary drugs will be slaughtered subject to "Hold and Test" procedures as described in subsection below.

19.3.4.4.6.1 Assessment of Laboratory Reports

Poultry products are considered to be adulterated if laboratory reports do not indicate compliance with Canadian regulatory requirements for residues of veterinary drugs. All such laboratory reports shall be referred to the Food of Animal Origin Division (FAOD) for a food safety hazard evaluation by HC including whether any condemned product may be rendered for use as animal feed.

Canadian MRLs and AMRLs for veterinary drugs are listed at the following web site: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/vetdrugs-medsvet/index_e.html

19.3.4.4.7 Hold and Test

Flocks treated with an extra label drug(s) and which arrive at the slaughtering establishment without a copy of a veterinary prescription and one of the following accompanying the flock sheet shall be subjected to a "Hold and Test" regime:

• CAPP or gFARAD reference number ; or
• a laboratory report further to live flock testing (refer to previous subsection); or
• a copy of the EDR form issued by the VVD, HC, including the withdrawal period; or
• a copy of the permit for the vaccine issued by the VBS, CFIA and a copy of the label showing a withdrawal period.

The operator shall segregate and hold all edible product (and decide how to store it - fresh or frozen) pending receipt of test results for the applicable drug or its' principal metabolites from a laboratory accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) or equivalent - if the Veterinarian in Charge has any questions, s/he should contact the area program network veterinary poultry inspection specialist. Testing and all associated costs shall be at the operator's expense. The Veterinarian in Charge may in turn wish to contact his/her Area Program Network Veterinary Poultry Inspection specialist or the office of the National Manager, Program Development and Evaluation, Chemical Residue Programs, at CFIA HQ, for information on SCC accredited laboratories or other laboratories suitable for testing specific drug products.

The operator shall contact his/her selected laboratory to confirm that it is competent to perform the relevant test and to obtain sampling and shipping instructions. Normally each of the following shall be collected as a representative sample from the subject lot and each of the following shall be packaged separately according to instructions from the laboratory:

• 5 drum sticks;
• 5 livers; and
• 150 grams of intact kidney (not mushed).

A copy of the laboratory test results and the corresponding flock sheet shall be supplied to the Area Poultry Inspection Program veterinary specialist who in turn may contact CFIA HQ for advice.

Product shall be condemned, subject to CFIA HQ confirmation,

(a) if a banned drug was used, or

(b) any level is detected in an edible product for an unapproved drug, or

(c) for residue levels above the applicable HC determined MRL or AMRLs and

(d) for (any) detectable residues in cases where there is no applicable Canadian MRL or AMRL.

Such residues result in adulterated product under the Meat Inspection Act & Regulations and are prohibited from sale as human food under the Food and Drug Act & Regulations.

19.3.4.5 Corrective Measures for Missing or Incomplete Flock Sheets

Operators may choose one of the following three options for a flock that arrives at their establishment for slaughter without the requisite completed flock sheet:

(1) Slaughter the flock subject to all harvested meat products being disposed of as inedible material ; or

(2) Reschedule the slaughter time based on approval of the Veterinarian in Charge and assurances that the missing sheet or information will arrive during the intervening time period ; or

(3) Slaughter the flock subject to the following additional measures to assure control over the chemical and biological hazards for which information is incomplete due to the missing flock sheets :

• the Veterinarian in Charge shall reduce the speed of the evisceration line until the operator can demonstrate control over evisceration accidents and the pathological conditions of the subject flock; and
• segregate, and hold under detention by the CFIA, all edible meat products harvested from the lot, subject to receipt of the original copies of laboratory tests results, from an accredited laboratory, (performed at the operator’s expense) that indicate compliance with the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for veterinary drugs as specified by Division 15 of the Food and Drug Regulations and as listed in Chapter 5 of this manual.

Furthermore, the operator shall conduct an investigation to determine how and why the flock arrived at the establishment without a fully completed flock sheet. A report must be provided to the Veterinarian in Charge. The report shall include follow-up action taken to avoid any reoccurrence.

19.3.4.6 Post-mortem Database

At the establishment level, all information must be transmitted to the evisceration manager and be made available to the Veterinarian in Charge for random verification prior to live hanging. Items (18) to (20) for the last lot processed from a particular barn must be incorporated in the establishment’s computerized database, and must be made available to the evisceration manager and the Veterinarian in Charge three to five days prior to transporting another lot of birds from that one barn to the slaughtering establishment.

19.3.4.7 Condemnation Reports

To provide information necessary for the producer to take corrective actions when necessary and improve husbandry practices, feedback mechanisms from the operator to the producers are to be jointly developed by the CFIA and national poultry industry associations.

19.3.4.8 Record Retention Period

The processor must keep for a minimum of three (3) years the records relating to the flock sheets and the resulting post-mortem database for on-site review by the CFIA Staff.

19.3.5 Sanitation for poultry crates and trucks

Salmonella in poultry constitutes an industry-wide problem and therefore particular attention should be given to the cleaning of poultry crates and trucks. They must be visibly clean and free of all faecal material, before disinfectant solution is applied.