[Experiences of a veterinary meat inspector. I]

Re-inspection of animals for slaughter is based on article 13 of the Meat Inspection Act, under which re-inspection is defined as a new inspection. This article describes the re-inspection of 94 animals for slaughter according to existing regulations and instructions. In 45% of the cases, the veterinary meat inspector had doubts about the decisions taken in the first inspection or about the grounds mentioned as reason for the decision to reject or condemn the animal/carcass. The verdict of the first inspection was changed when there were positive results for tests for agents that slow bacterial growth, positive results for tests for bacteria, abnormal consistency, and cysticercosis. It was concluded that, in the interests of uniformity all the investigations stipulated in the Inspection Regulations should be carried out during the first inspection and that all reasons for condemning an animal/carcass should be given. In addition, all veterinary meat inspectors involved should be told the outcome of the second inspection and of any omissions discovered during this inspection.