Mobile poultry processing unit awarded a class “B” license

The Cariboo Central Interior Poultry Producers Association (CCIPPA) has received a class "B" license from the province for its mobile processing unit (MPU).

The license has been issued by Food Protection Services under the Meat Inspection Regulation.

The Meat Inspection Regulation ensures animals are humanely handled and slaughtered; carcasses are processed

in a clean environment; and meat is packaged and stored in ways that reduce contamination risks.

"It's an assurance of food safety," CCIPPA president Christine Piltz said.

Transitional class 'C' licenses only allowed sales direct to customers from farm gate or farmer's markets.

Having a class "B" licensed facility in the region provides producers access to markets province wide.

Cariboo grown farm fresh poultry and rabbit will be available throughout B.C.

"The Cariboo Central Interior Poultry Producers Association (CCIPPA) has been working towards this goal since 2007 and is confident that this will foster the development of the poultry and rabbit sectors in the region," Piltz said.

CCIPPA works for producers, members and their communities to create economic diversification through agriculture initiatives and to guide, mentor and provide information to individuals in the poultry and rabbit industry and other related sectors.

"It [license] helps producers get their product into markets they weren't otherwise able to," Piltz said.

With the healthy growth of these industries CCIPPA will contribute to vibrant, local sustainable food systems all communities are entitled to in B.C.

Inspected slaughter in the MPU will start in July and will commence every Tuesday and Thursday out of Kirby Hill Farm.