§ Lord Willoughby de Brokeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What specific qualifications and experience in law enforcement are required of veterinary officers auditing Meat Hygiene Service performance in meat or cutting plants; and how their competence is assessed. [HL2966]
§ Lord DonoughueThe performance of the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) in licensed premises is audited by Veterinary Meat Hygiene Advisers (VMHAs). As auditors, VMHAs do not have a direct role in enforcement but audit the MHS's enforcement of the relevant regulations as set out in the .VIHS operations manual. The auditors are experienced in the field of veterinary public health and meat hygiene, have detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation and the MI-IS operations manual, and are trained auditors.