• Completion of secondary school is required.
  
• Government inspectors usually require a bachelor's degree or college diploma in agriculture, biology, chemistry, food processing technology or a related discipline.
  
• Inspectors (other than government) may require a bachelor's degree or college diploma in a related discipline.
  
• Several years of experience in agricultural production or fish processing are usually required.
  
• Completion of in-house training courses is required.
  

High School Diploma
Diploma
Bachelor

Inspect or test products to detect harmful diseases, chemical residues, or infestations
Inspect products and processing methods; prepare reports and ensure that regulations governing health, quality and safety are followed
Examine storage, handling and transportation equipment to ensure that sanitary procedures are followed
Monitor the operations and sanitary conditions of slaughtering and meat processing plants and inspect carcasses to ensure they are fit for human consumption
Certify seed crops, oversee the quarantine, treatment or destruction of plants and plant products, and the fumigation of plants and plant product imports and exports
Collect samples from animals, plants, or products and route them to laboratories for microbiological assessment, ingredient verification, or other testing
Interpret and enforce government acts and regulations and explain required standards to agricultural workers
Inspect the cleanliness and practices of establishment employees
Investigate consumer and trade complaints
Take emergency actions, such as closing production facilities, if product safety is compromised