Nature of the Work

Agricultural inspectors make sure that businesses comply with federal and state laws and regulations that govern the health, quality, and safety of meat, poultry, egg products, fruits, and vegetables. They also inspect food- and meat-processing plants to ensure that the facilities meet quality standards. They strive to protect public health and well-being by protecting the public from foodborne illness. Most agricultural inspectors work for federal and state governments, and are very knowledgeable about regulations and standards in the area in which they work.

In order to determine whether a business is meeting quality and safety standards, an inspector must make numerous visits and make thorough inspections of the product and its surroundings. For example, an inspector might take samples of animals at a meat-processing plant to test for diseases. They might also inspect livestock on the farm to review feeding practices and medical treatments. They might also analyze shipments of grain or vegetables for quality or levels of chemicals.

One of the main responsibilities of an agricultural inspector is the health and quality of livestock. With recent concerns about mad-cow disease, it is imperative that qualified inspectors—along with veterinarians—inspect the livestock population in order to protect people from any kind of bacteria or disease that can be passed from contaminated meat to humans.

Watch this video to see how agricultural inspectors help keep our food supply safe.

Work Environment

Agricultural inspectors work long and irregular hours, spending much of their time in food- or meat-processing plants. Others might travel frequently to farms or ports, inspecting cargo on boats or sitting on docks.

Because the job involves finding problems or violations, inspectors might have to deal with antagonistic individuals and uncomfortable situations. The job can be demanding and very stressful; in essence, an inspector's work can have important financial and public health consequences.

Education and Training

Aspiring inspectors should take college courses in the areas of biology or agricultural science. Most positions require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. Candidates should also search out relevant work experience, such as working on a farm or in a meat-processing plant. Moreover, knowledge of laws and regulations in the field is imperative; on-the-job training will help to familiarize inspectors with inspection procedures.

On the Job

• Inspect agricultural commodities and related operations, as well as fish and logging operations for compliance with laws and regulations governing health, quality, and safety.
• Inspect and test horticultural products or livestock to detect harmful diseases, chemical residues, and infestations, and to determine the quality of products or animals.
• Verify that transportation and handling procedures meet regulatory requirements.
• Collect samples from animals, plants, or products, and route them to laboratories for microbiological assessment, ingredient verification, and other testing.
• Interpret and enforce government acts and regulations and explain required standards to agricultural workers.
• Write reports of findings and recommendations, and advise farmers, growers, or processors of corrective action to be taken.
• Inspect the cleanliness and practices of establishment employees.
• Monitor the operations and sanitary conditions of slaughtering and meat processing plants.
• Inspect food products and processing procedures to determine whether products are safe to eat.
• Take emergency actions such as closing production facilities if product safety is compromised.
• Monitor the grading performed by company employees in order to verify conformance to standards.
• Label and seal graded products, and issue official grading certificates.
• Inspect livestock to determine effectiveness of medication and feeding programs.
• Set standards for the production of meat and poultry products, and for food ingredients, additives, and compounds used to prepare and package products.
• Direct and monitor the quarantine and treatment or destruction of plants and plant products.
• Inquire about pesticides or chemicals to which animals may have been exposed.
• Set labeling standards and approve labels for meat and poultry products.
• Examine, weigh, and measure commodities such as poultry, eggs, meat, and seafood in order to certify qualities, grades, and weights.
• Compare product recipes with government-approved formulas or recipes in order to determine acceptability.
• Review and monitor foreign product inspection systems in countries of origin to ensure equivalence to the U.S. system.
• Provide consultative services in areas such as equipment and product evaluation, plant construction and layout, and food safety systems.
• Advise farmers and growers of development programs or new equipment and techniques to aid in quality production.
• Testify in legal proceedings.

Source: BLS

Companies That Hire Agricultural Inspectors

• California Department of Food and Agriculture
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• U.S. Department of Agriculture

Ask Questions

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Additional Information

• Association of Fruit and Vegetable Inspection and Standardization Agencies: www.afvisa.org
• Independent Organic Inspectors Association: www.ioia.net

Sources

• O*Net Online. (2009). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://online.onetcenter.org/
• Net Industries. (2009). Agricultural Inspector Job Description, Career as an Agricultural Inspector, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job. Retrieved October 15, 2009, from http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/46/Agricultural-Inspector.html
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture. (2009). Dairy Farm Inspection. Retrieved October 16, 2009, from http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/video/dairyinspection2.wmv
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture. (2009). Ice Cream Plant Inspection. Retrieved October 16, 2009, from http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/video/dairyinspection4.wmv
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture. (2009). Cheese Manufacturer Inspection. Retrieved October 16, 2009, from http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/video/dairyinspection5.wmv
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture. (2009). Food Inspection Part 1: Retrieved October 16, 2009, from http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/video/mdafoodinspection1.wmv
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture. (2009). Food Inspection Part 3: Retrieved October 16, 2009, from http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/video/mdafoodinspection3.wmv

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