ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection

How does the inspection process work?

In two steps. Before slaughter, the official veterinarian assesses the live animal: is it healthy, fit for slaughter, delivered in compliance with animal welfare requirements? If there are abnormalities, the veterinarian may prohibit the slaughter or order a separate slaughter. After slaughter, the carcass and organs are inspected. Meat assessed as fit receives the official health mark; meat found unfit may not be released as a food product. The veterinarian is assisted by official paraveterinary staff who may take on clearly defined tasks; the final assessment remains with the veterinarian.

What is the legal basis?

Since 14 December 2019, Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls has applied; the uniform practical arrangements are set out in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627 of 15 March 2019. The earlier Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 has been repealed. At national level, the Animal Food Hygiene Ordinance and the Animal Food Monitoring Ordinance supplement this framework. Enforcement lies with the Länder, usually through the veterinary offices, which leads to varying staffing levels and differing waiting times for placement positions.

Where does this appear in the degree?

§ 1(2) of the TAppV prescribes 100 hours of practical training in ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection. This must be completed within at least three consecutive weeks and may be split into two periods. If completed at a poultry-only slaughter facility, at least 70 of the 100 hours must be completed at a cattle or pig slaughter facility. Meat hygiene is also one of the 20 subjects in the Veterinary Examination and forms part of the final examinations under § 30 TAppV.

What does this mean for graduates from EU countries abroad?

Official functions of this kind require the German veterinary licence (Approbation); a temporary practice permit under § 11 of the Federal Veterinary Act is not sufficient for this purpose. Those who studied in Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, or the Baltic states bring the EU-harmonised content with them, since the inspection regulations apply directly in all member states. What needs to be learned on the job is primarily the German enforcement and documentation system. How that entry into practice looks in concrete terms is clarified by the relevant veterinary authority of the district.