Some of these reasons include: Meat is high in protein and moisture.  Both are needed for the multiplication of pathogens, such as Listeria.  As the number of pathogens in a food increases, so does the likelihood that someone eating that food will experience food borne illness.  It is critical that the slaughterhouses (abattoirs) and meat processing facilities are hygienic and operated in a sanitary manner to reduce the likelihood of contamination of the meat. Animals that are slaughtered for meat carry pathogens that may also make humans sick.  To reduce the likelihood that an animal for slaughter is carrying a disease that could affect humans, it is important that animals are inspected prior to and during the slaughter process. In BC, government inspectors carry out this function.  It is a requirement that all meat sold in BC is inspected. The requirements for this inspection process are outlined in the BC Meat Inspection Regulations.

If you are interested in constructing a provincially licenced meat plant, there are a number of resources available that will aid you.  While not complicated, it is a step by step process. 

Food processing facilities, including meat and meat processing plants, are responsible for ensuring the products they produce are safe to consume.  The HACCP system or Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points is used by food processors to ensure the production of safe food.  The HACCP system is a program which identifies and analyzes the potential food safety hazards in the food processing facility. The program then puts steps in place to ensure that those potential hazards cannot affect the final food product.  The HACCP system can be thought of a system that prevents problems before they happen.

The information on these pages represent the work we do on behalf of the public, industry and government.  Some of this information was written for the general public and some was written in technical language for public health.

Contact us:
Food Protection Services phone 604-707-2440
NCC Environmental Health phone 604-707-2445
Poison Control Centre phone 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911