Archived - Annex C: HACCP Based Slaughter Inspection Program (HIP) for Swine
7.0 Performance Tests – Presentation – Heads
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Mandibular lymph nodes (MLN) are presented in a variety of configurations for CFIA inspection. The reader should refer to the section below that is applicable for the presentation method utilized in their establishment.
7.1 Heads (MLN) Presentation
The head shall be presented with essentially no movement that would be considered to interfere with the inspection procedure. The MLN must be readily accessible and consistently located in the same anatomical area as determined by the operator's standards for presentation. The tongue usually remains in the buccal cavity until after final carcass inspection.
7.1.1 Dorsal Presentation of MLN
The head is disarticulated at the atlanto-occipital joint and dropped but remains attached to the carcass by the chin skin. The dorsal side of the carcass faces the inspector. The MLN are presented at the angle of the mandible.
7.1.2 Ventral Presentation of MLN
The head is not disarticulated and access to the MLN is achieved from the ventral or belly side of the carcass. The MLN are prepared in a traditional manner via a pharyngeal opening with the nodes being exposed in the area of the mandibular angle.
7.2 MLN (Attached to Tongue Root/Larynx) Presentation
Both MLN (attached to laryngeal/lingual area) are removed from the carcass. The tongue may or may not be attached to the MLN. If removed from the head, the tongue shall remain identified with the head/carcass until after final inspection.
If the MLN are presented on a hook, they shall be presented in a position where they can be easily inspected without interference from the hook.
If the MLN are presented on a tray or table, they shall be presented in a position where they can readily grasped for examination and incision.
7.3 MLN Presentation Defects
MLN must be presented intact (greater than 50% of each node must be present) and consistently exposed in the area of the mandibular angle (ventral or dorsal approach) or attached to the tongue root/laryngeal area if presented with the pluck. The Inspector shall not be required to make any incisions to expose the MLN when they are presented on the carcass or with the pluck. It is considered a presentation defect if:
- greater than 50% of one lymph node is in the wrong location;
- greater than 50% of one lymph node is obscured from view; or
- greater than 50% of one lymph node is missing.
7.4 Head Presentation Defects
Heads must be presented properly attached to the carcass without rotation or excess motion. Excessive head motion is defined as any swinging or spinning motion that would interfere with or delay the Inspector's hook placement. This motion needs to be judged before the centre line of the first inspection station.
It is considered a presentation defect if the head is:
- not attached or is only partially attached to the carcass by the normal skin attachment (regardless of whether reattached by other means);
- rotated more than 45°; or
- moving excessively.
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