MEAT INDUSTRY ACT 1993 - SECT 72 Powers of inspectors

MEAT INDUSTRY ACT 1993 - SECT 72

    (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—

S. 72(2)(a) substituted by No. 40/2019

s. 63.

        (a)     enter and search any meat processing facility; and

S. 72(2)(ab) inserted by No. 40/2019

s. 63.

        (ab)     enter and search any vehicle; and

S. 72(2)(b) amended by No. 98/1997

s. 38, substituted by No. 40/2019

s. 63.

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

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

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

S. 72(2)(c) substituted by No. 40/2019

s. 63.

        (c)     search any equipment, machinery, implements, enclosures, animals or goods in or on the facility, vehicle 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.

S. 72(3) amended by No. 37/2014 s. 10(Sch. item 109.2).

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