Scientific Advisory Panel for the risk based post mortem inspection research program

Summary

There was potential to increase the efficiency of, and reduce the waste resulting from, the post mortem inspection of cattle and sheep while maintaining control over the safety of product and its suitability for consumers. Potential benefits of adopting a risk based approach to post mortem inspection included:Improve food safetyReduced carcase condemnationsReduced condemnation of carcase parts and offalImproved accuracy of dispositionsMore efficient allocation of inspection resources
The risk based post mortem inspection research program was a multi-year program that is being established to examine opportunities to improve the efficiency of processing, while maintaining market access, by modifying post-mortem inspection practices within a risk based framework. The Scientific Coordinator was a member of the steering group (along with representatives from MLA, AQIS and AMIC) and was a means of communication between the programs two groups. As a member of the steering committee the Scientific Coordinator provided input into setting the programs objectives, monitoring progress against research and communications plans and facilitating the adoption of research findings. The Scientific Coordinator provided input into the development of the projects research plan, approving terms of reference for individual projects, selecting researchers/research organisations to complete individual projects, provide a quarterly report on the progress of the program, and developing the programs communication plan. The Scientific Coordinator was be an advocate for the program.
The Objectives of the project included:Provide guidance and scientific advice to ensure the program achieves its objectives by undertaking the following actions: With input from representatives from the steering group, develop the research plan for the program and provide the draft plan to MLA Provide input into, and approve the terms of reference for individual projects within the programAssist MLA to select researchers/research organisations for tendered research projectsCommunicate with researchers/research organisations to ensure research is in line with project requirements.Review research project findings
The panel The Scientific Coordinator was required to be at both Scientific Advisory Panel meetings and steering committee meetings. The Scientific Advisory Panel consisted of MLA representatives, a veterinary pathologist, veterinary epidemiologist, a representative involved in meat inspection and abattoir data management and a representative from Animal Health Australia. Members of the program's steering committee provided advice and input contributing to;Setting program objectivesMonitoring progress of the program including progress against the research and communications plan'sFacilitating the adoption of research findings