Evaluation of various intervention methods for small processors and development of a CD demonstrating appropriate harvest methods.

Numerous very small meat processing facilities have experienced difficulties in determining appropriate intervention methods on the slaughter floor which are effective, yet affordable, in small scale operations. Although many small plants have interventions in place, they are not appropriate or used incorrectly. A major obstacle to many operators is the ability to implement affordable intervention methods which have been proven effective on large scale processing. Operators of very small plants have a desire and an innate need to maintain food safety as much as larger operations. However, the feasibility of operating many sophisticated intervention methods is limited due to economies of scale. Therefore other novel intervention methods need to be evaluated for small plant feasibility First, approximately twenty to thirty plants in the state of Kentucky and surrounding states will be recruited to participate on a volunteer basis. University Extension personnel will conduct on-site visited and evaluate current intervention methods and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to determine how animals are processed in the abattoir. This process will attempt to identify any novel approaches to pathogen reduction that may have been implemented at each plant independently. After the on-site visits are complete, a CD will be produced outlining possible intervention methods which are economically feasible for small operations. This CD and related written materials will be personally distributed and explained, first at a group workshop with follow-up visits conducted quarterly. During quarterly visits, swabs will be collected to determine the efficacy of the intervention methods and correlated to USDA results and issuance ofNRs. Prior to implementation the lIC and Circuit Supervisor will be advised of the proposed intervention methods and all parties kept up-to-date on followup results and final implementation of intervention methods. At the conclusion of the project, the Cd will be released to USDA for appropriate distribution to plants.