Meat Inspection History (1970s-1980s)

The history of the centralised Meat Inspection Service of Northern Ireland from the 1970s-1980s.

The most influential factor affecting the Meat Inspection Service was the UK joining the European Economic Community (EEC) in the 1973. The first obvious effect was the introduction of EC poultry meat Inspection Standards which were taken on board by the Centralised Service and led to the introduction of poultry meat inspectors.

The next crucial factor that entered the equation was the difficulty in recruitment of veterinarians This resulted in a review of the Department's Veterinary Service as a whole in 1978. The important conclusion, from the Meat Inspection point of view, was that the field service (with mainly Animal Health responsibilities) and the Meat Inspection Service should stay integrated.

It was a pragmatic recommendation as there was difficulty in recruiting veterinarians for meat inspection because they appearred reluctant to apply for Meat Inspection posts only. Once they were in the Service a significant proportion found it a satisfying and worthwhile career. The flexibility of knowing that they were not permanently assigned to meat duties eased the veterinarian into the meat inspection job.

Also in a small service (only about 26-30 veterinarians are needed on any day) it would have been expensive to carry separate staff for leave, relief etc. and it was thus organisationally an economically more sensible to have such relief staff available from the field service.

Other factors have had influence. From the late 70s onwards there has been an increased concentration on hygienic production as well as on traditional meat inspection. Residue sampling and testing became an increasing part of the work. Nowadays surveillance for residues is ongoing all year round and it is mandatory all across the European Union.