Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Meat Industry Act 1993 - SECT 72

Powers of inspectors

72. Powers of inspectors



(1) An inspector may take any action which is necessary to find out whether
the provisions of-

   (a)  this Act; or

   (b)  the regulations; or

   (c)  a licence issued under this Act or the regulations; or

   (d)  a quality assurance program-

are being complied with.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) an inspector may-

   (a)  search any meat processing facility, or vehicle; and

   (b)  at any reasonable time and by any reasonable means enter-

   (i)  any place not occupied as a place of residence at which he or she
        reasonably believes that meat is being processed or sold; and

   (ii) any place which he or she reasonably believes is or may be used or
        intended to be used in connection with the slaughter of animals; and

   (c)  search any equipment, machinery, implements, enclosures, animals or
        goods on the facility or place; and

   (d)  require any moving vehicle to be stopped; and

   (e)  ask questions; and

   (f)  request a person to give his or her name and residential address; and

   (g)  examine, take samples from, seize, detain, treat or dispose of any
        meat; and

   (h)  take samples from any animal for testing; and

        (i)    seize, examine or take copies or extracts from documents; and

   (j)  brand or direct the branding of any meat; and

   (k)  colour or direct the colouring of any meat; and

   (l)  condemn any animal or meat; and

   (m)  direct that any condemned meat be treated in a boiling down works; and

   (n)  prohibit the slaughter of any animal if the animal is unsuitable for
        slaughter.

(3) When exercising his or her powers under this Act an inspector may use any
assistance (including the assistance of any member of the police force) which
he or she requires.