Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1889-05-15
THE MEAT INSPECTION BILL,

regard to the new meat Inspection bill,
gives an explanation of the points in the
bill that should be read by all. In the
townships where there IS no board of
health, the board of supervisors should
appoint the meat inspectors:
On the duties of local boards of health
under the law for the inspection within
twenty four hours of their Slaughter of all
cattle, sheep and swine to be killed for
human food.
NoTE.-This paper is in answer to many re-
quests for advice from health officers, local
matter. The State Board is anxious to af-
the enforcement Of the4aw. The secretary is
preparing, with the assistance of the ablest
authorities on the subject IN this country. a
brief instruction as to best methods of de-
tecting disease. infections or other, in ami
condition affecting the! 6gaHhfulness or food
value OF the flesh Of SUCH animals.
IT is proper to ado reply to the question
Board consulted in the preparation or moditi-
cation Of this law? He was shown the printed
draft in the hands of the legal gentlemen who
such changes as seemed to him necessary to
make the law, what it proposed to be, an act
tor the protection of the public health. Not
only change he was able to secure was, by the
assistance Of Senator Truax, the provision
that animals found by this inspection, at
fected with infectious disease, should be re-
moved and destroyed.
The sanitary intention of the law: To
prevent the slaughter of cattle, sheep and
swine which are not healthy and IN suit
able condition to be slaughtered for hu
man food, by an inspection of the living
animal within twenty-four hours of its
slaughter. The inspection is not of the
meat, but of the animal not more than
twenty-four hours before it is killed.
When must the inspection be made?
Within twenty four hours before the
slaughter of the animal.
Where is the inspection to be made?
Not specified, and presumably therefore
where the applicant asks to have 1t made.
Local boards of villages and cities
would further a good purpose If thew
could concentrate the butchers into one
place for killing and preparing the meat.
and thereby diminish the trouble and ex-
pense Of the inspection. This thew NAV
DO under chapter 222. laws of 1885.
For whom is the inspection made? Per-
sons applying for such inspection.
Who makes the inspection? A person
or persons appointed by the local boards
OF health of Cities villages, boroughs and
townships.
How is he elected? By majority of
the board, it is fail to assume, as no other
method is specified in the law.
What qualifications are requisite for an
Inspector? The ability, in the Judgment
OF the board electing hlm, ''to determine
that any cattle, sheep or swine, proposed
to be killed for human food. are healthy
and in suitable condition to be slaugh-
tered tor that purpose, by an examina-
of
IN twenlY-fOur hours of said slaughter.
How many inspectors may be appoint
ed! One or more, as in the judgment of
the board is necessary for the proper exc
cutlon of the law.
Term Of service of inspectors? One
year: or till successors are appointed and
qualified.
Territory of inspectors? Coextensive
with that of the board appointing them
Must the inspector be veterinary sur
geon? The law makes no such provision.
and so any one whom the local board of
health believes competent and elects may
serve.
Should the inspectors report regularly
to the local board appointing them? As
agents of the board for special purpose,
they should be required to file copies Of
certificates and memoranda of all official
acts With the board as it may specify in
It's instructions. In no other way can the
board be aware of the working of this de.
partment of it's work, for which it is as
responsible as for any other performed by
deputy.
Form of certificate to be prescribed by
local boards for the use of inspectors
The law provides that each certificate, to
be made in duplicate, "shall contain a
statement to the effect that the animal or
animals inspected, describing them as to
KIND and sex, were at the date of such in
spec:ion, free from all indications of dis
ease. apparently IN good health, and in
good condition, to be slaughtered for hu
man food" beyond this the board shall
sued by such inspectors"
How Is the inspector to be paid? By
fees Ito be paid by the persons applying
for such inspection"
Who determines the fee to be paid
The local board of health, who :'shall
regulate the fees. which shall be no
greater than are actually necessary to de-
fray the costs of the inspection provided
in section three 81 of the law"
Are any local boards of health exempt
from the appointment of inspectors as
provided IN this act? The law says: 1T
shall be the duty of the local boards of
Aealth or the several cities. villages, Dor
oughs and townships within this state :"
50 none are exempt.
Can any cattle, sheep or swine be
slaughtered for human food IN this state
without this inspection? No.
Does the law apply to individuals wish
ing to slaughter their own ANIMALS for the
use of themselves Or their families? 1t
excerpts no one.
Has the State Board of Health any dis
creti0nary power in the matter? No.
Does the law affect previous legislation
for the control of infectious diseases of
animals or the sale of diseased meats
No. There is no clause repeating pre-
vlous legislation, nor do the provisions of
the act conflict with previous laws.
Who will supply blanks for certificates
and forms for reports? So soon as it is
clear just what the form of blank should
be, and what ought to be the reports to
be required by local boards, the State
Board will supply the necessary blanks to
all boards who will adopt them.
Some other important questions have
arisen and been referred to the attorney
general for his opinion, and will be pub
lished as soon as received.