HACCP
Western Quality Meats (WQM), is a Federally Inspected Plant (Est. #235), and its operations are in accordance with the CFIA Meat Hygiene Manual of Procedures. We have SOP’s in place as per USDA Mega Regs, and we have been HACCP certified since
We also have procedures in place to ensure waste disposal from our plant is kept separate from any materials originating from other suppliers that handle SRM. No carriers licensed to handle SRM are permitted to enter our facility. Western Quality Meats does not handle Specified Risk Material at this site. Due to the directive, FSIS CFR part 417, WQM has reassessed its HACCP Plans to include CCP’s that will reduce or eliminate E. coli 0157:H7 to below detectable levels. At this time, we are opting for letters of guarantee from our suppliers that will ensure they also have a prevention/reduction step for this hazard. We are conducting independent internal testing for validation and verification purposes. In addition, the implementation of Salmonella spp. testing, generic E. coli testing and environmental monitoring (environmental swabs and daily pre-op) is utilized to avoid risk of biological, physical and chemical contaminants. We use only chemicals that are CFIA approved. We also monitor temperatures of meat received for each load. The product must be within the following limits: from 0ºC to 4ºC for fresh products and ≤ -18ºC for frozen products. All product shipped to WQM is in cleaned and refrigerated vehicles. Carriers must supply us with documentation addressing their cleaning/sanitizing programs. Trailers are inspected prior to loading and unloading; WQM reserves the right to refuse product if the condition of the vehicle is unsatisfactory. Our HACCP plans and Prerequisite Programs are in use, operational and verified daily. 