OAKLAND, Calif. – The North American Meat Association is holding a webinar on humane handling practices on April 4. Industry and legal experts will cover the steps plants must take to guarantee humane handling practices are being followed, according to NAMA.

"A systematic approach is important for the wellbeing of the animals, and also because it affects the way FSIS responds to a humane handling incident. Plants with a systematic approach are able to immediately implement contingency plans to address situations which could be the basis for an egregious humane handling incident," NAMA said.

Additionally, webinar attendees will learn about the US Department of Agriculture's Humane Handling Ombudsman, an independent, confidential and neutral resource for the industry and FSIS employees to bring forward complaints and concerns related to federal humane handling laws and regulations.

Speakers for the webinar are Erica Voogd, Voogd Consulting; Barbara Masters, OFW Law; and Marc Crowe, USDA Humane Handling Ombudsman.

NAMA is offering the webinar for $49 for members of NAMA and co-sponsoring organizations, $99 for non-members, and $25 for students with a valid student ID. Registration is available online.