The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, in collaboration with the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and the Pacific Community (SPC), is conducting a two-week comprehensive “Meat Inspection, Food Safety, and Hygiene” training for livestock officers.

This initiative aims to equip locality livestock officers and meat inspectors with essential skills and knowledge to ensure public health and food safety.

Pacific Engagement Program for Animal Health, Senior Veterinary Advisor Dr Anand Kumar Deo said the primary objective of the training is to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the basic principles.

“Given that Fiji faces the challenge of Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) and a significant portion of cattle are slaughtered in rural environments without abattoir facilities, this training is crucial,” he said.

“They are taught the principle of meat inspection, including ante-mortem inspection and post-mortem disposition. Additionally, the program will raise awareness of the Fiji Meat Industry Act and its subsidiary legislations,” he said.

“By training livestock officers in meat inspection techniques and procedures, the Ministry aims to enhance the supervision of meat inspections, particularly during special occasions where large numbers of cattle are slaughtered. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the risk of Bovine TB transmission to humans, thereby improving public health outcomes.”

Dr Anand added that the training has already been conducted for 20 staff members in the Western Division, who actively participated and demonstrated a strong grasp of the procedures and principles taught.

These sessions have received positive feedback, especially from staff who had no prior experience in meat inspection.

The program will continue with 25 staff from the Central Division, followed by 10 staff from the Northern Division after a two-week interval in the Central followed by practical work in abattoirs.

This phased approach ensures thorough training and application of knowledge across different regions.

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