LESSON 6
INSPECTION OF PRODUCT
6-1.
INTRODUCTION
After the carrier is inspected, the food product is off-loaded and inspected by the
veterinary food inspection specialist. It is inspected for product identity, product condition,
and product quantity. Product quality, particularly the age of a product, is one of the
conditions that is checked. If an inspector finds a discrepancy or a nonconforming
product, he has the responsibility to officially report the finding.
6-2.
PRODUCT IDENTITY
The veterinary food inspection specialist determines that the product delivered is
the product specified in the purchasing documents. These are gathered and studied
before delivery of the product. If an inspector cannot determine identity, as in cans or
packages, he must open the container and physically examine its contents. If he
suspects substitution or fraud, he will inspect additional units to determine to what extent,
if any, the shipment has been tampered with.
6-3.
PRODUCT CONDITION
The veterinary food inspection specialist determines that the product is in the
condition required by the purchasing documents.
a. Sample Selection. Samples of the product, packaging, and packing will be
selected at random and inspected. Sampling is the process of selecting a small part of a
lot or batch for inspection or analysis. Acceptance or rejection of the lot is based upon
the number of defects or defective units found in the sample. Selection of a random
sample is the personal responsibility of the inspector, the veterinary food inspection
specialist
b. Types of Condition Inspection. The veterinary food inspection specialist
inspects a product for the various types of conditions that may be specified in the
purchasing documents. This is to ensure the wholesomeness of the product.
(1) Product-specific inspection. For example, lettuce would be; fresh, not
wilted or wilted and red meats would be, not off-condition or off condition.
(2) Container inspection. The purpose is to see if the product has been
protected during storage and distribution. For example, not leaking, as in the case of
dairy products. Packaging refers to the unit container and packing to the shipping
container.
MD0694
6-2