The requirement for ante-mortem inspection is stipulated in the Export Meat Orders (EMOs). Under the EMOs an authorised officer, either a veterinary officer or a qualified meat inspector under the direction of a veterinary officer, carries out ante-mortem inspection. Furthermore all animals will be inspected, in line with specific overseas country requirements. Ante-mortem inspection provides an opportunity to identify and segregate animals for more detailed inspection and ensures that livestock are not suffering unnecessarily from a condition that is detrimental to their immediate welfare. 

Assessments at ante-mortem are based on:

• The absence or presence and extent of any clinical signs of disease
• The presence and extent of any conditions that may result in the rejection of the carcase or its parts as a source of human food
• The presence of excitement or disturbed activity
• The presence of any disability
• The treatment or exposure of the animals to drugs, chemicals, biological substances or radioactive material
• The extent of soilage