Chesterfield Poultry Pioneers New Inspection Standards with In-House Team
Chesterfield Poultry, based in Thorne, South Yorkshire, has taken a major step forward in its operations by transitioning from relying on Food Standards Agency (FSA) meat inspectors to creating its own team of Plant Inspection Assistants (PIAs).
This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to quality and safety in poultry production.
The transition was made possible after Chesterfield Poultry’s team successfully completed the FDQ Level 2 Award for Proficiency in Poultry Meat Inspection, specialising in the Broilers and Hens pathway. The qualification ensures that staff have the technical expertise required to carry out poultry meat inspections with the highest standards of accuracy and efficiency.
Following a final assessment by the Food Standards Agency’s Official Veterinarian (FSA OV), Chesterfield Poultry’s newly trained team received FSA authorisation to perform post-mortem inspection duties. The transition was supported by the FDQ-accredited Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) and their lead assessor, Dr. Craig Kirby.
Mihaela Otter, Technical Manager at Chesterfield Poultry, who led the project, expressed her pride in the team’s achievements. “With a rigorous qualification like this, it was vital to choose learners with strong knowledge and understanding before beginning the course with AIMS. When the team reached the assessment stage with Dr. Kirby, I was confident their dedication would ensure success. I am incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished,” she said.
Chesterfield Poultry Director Nadeem Iqbal also highlighted the significance of the initiative, both for the company and its workforce. “This journey has been immensely rewarding. It has given our top employees the opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the high-quality poultry production at our Thorne plant. Thanks to Mihaela’s leadership and the support from FDQ and AIMS, we are confident that our products meet the highest inspection standards and are safe for consumers,” he said.
With this move, Chesterfield Poultry not only strengthens its internal capabilities but also ensures that its products continue to meet rigorous food safety standards, giving consumers confidence in the quality of their poultry products.
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