During the campaign, MAF officials had the illegal operators' premises under surveillance. The Ministry had previously received complaints about the illegal operations. MAF inspectors said at one premise the equipment used had not been washed from the previous day's activities and a bag of possum bait was found on the table used for meat packing. The inspectors said such conditions would endanger consumer health, and they were amazed people would knowingly buy meat for their families from such operations. Home kill operators are permitted under the Act to slaughter animals for their own use or for the owner of the animal, but it is illegal to sell, barter or raffle uninspected meat to the public.
Meat inspection confirms whether meat is fit for human consumption.
Particular risk can come from food poisoning which can be fatal to fetuses, the elderly, the very young, and people with immune deficiencies and illnesses.