The scheme shall not apply to abattoirs that are being serviced under a government meat inspection service, or those that have been exempted by the NEO. In making a decision on exemptions, the NEO shall use the following categories as guidelines:

8.1.        Category 1 - Abattoir throughput

The NEO may allow an owner of a rural or infrequently slaughtering low throughput abattoir to procure a meat inspection service from an authorised meat inspection person who has not been assigned by the Minister. The PEO and/or an assignee must monitor the service(s) provided by the meat inspection person referred to in this category.

8.2.        Category 2 - Poultry Meat Examiner Level 1

PME Level 1 s are exempted from independence and may be directly employed by the abattoir.

PME Level 1 s must work under the supervision of an assigned meat inspection personnel or a government appointed inspection personnel at the abattoir. Where PME Level 1 s provide the service in the absence of an assignee or government meat inspection personnel, as may be the case in rural and infrequently slaughtering abattoirs, the PEO or an assignee within reach of the abattoir must monitor the meat inspection service provided.

8.3.         Category 3 - Game trained person

A game trained person provides an inspection service during harvesting on farms servicing rural and infrequently slaughtering game abattoirs. Large operations making use of harvesting depots must have an independent meat inspection personnel at harvesting.