Appendix A: Viability Assessment Specifications (Checkpoint 1)
This appendix defines the required specifications a carcass must meet to be deemed viable for recovery and processing. The Member’s first contracted result is the delivery of the Assessment Report, which determines the carcass’s status based on these objective specifications.
I. Carcass Eligibility and External Mandates
The Member’s role is to assess whether the carcass meets the following external, food-safety specifications.
| Prerequisite | Specification / Required Result | Rationale (External Mandate) |
|---|---|---|
| TSD Standard (Thermal Load) | The Member’s assessment must confirm the carcass has not exceeded its thermal limit, suggesting the cumulative TSD to processor drop-off can still be met within the four (4) hour FDA HACCP limit. | This is the absolute limit for total warm time. The viability assessment must confirm feasibility. |
| Rigor Mortis Status (Bacterial Clock) | The carcass must be Pre-Rigor (Non-Rigid), with easily movable joints (legs, neck). | Acceptance Specification: Full Rigor Mortis (fully stiff) indicates the TSD limit has been exceeded or the carcass experienced extreme heat, rendering it non-viable. |
II. “Hard No” Failures (Immediate Rejection Specifications)
The carcass is automatically deemed to FAIL the Viability Specifications if the Member’s assessment reveals ANY of the following conditions.
| Failure Criterion | Description | Specification Failed (Result Non-Viable) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Trauma | Extensive damage to the abdominal cavity, large ruptures in the digestive tract, or massive head/neck trauma. | High likelihood of pre-contamination of muscle tissue. |
| Bloating (Gaseous) | Visible distention or swelling of the abdomen. | Sign of advanced decomposition and TSD failure. |
| Pest Infestation | Any visible blowfly eggs (small, rice-like clusters), larvae (maggots), or insect activity in wounds/orifices. | Indicates environmental contamination/TSD failure. |
| Gross Contamination | Visible presence of excessive dirt, mud, or road grime that cannot be acceptably removed. | Unacceptable external contamination. |
| Disease/Tumors | Absence of obvious tumors, lesions, or signs of known local wildlife diseases (e.g., CWD). | Unsafe for donation or processing. |
III. Checkpoint 1: Decision Protocol & Payment
The Member is paid the Assessment Stipend for completing this assessment and electronically submitting the resulting report, regardless of the outcome.
| Assessment Outcome | Action Required | Compensation Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| VIABLE | Meets ALL specifications. Proceed immediately to execute the Full Recovery Contract (Appendix B). | Assessment Stipend + Mileage Paid. Full Recovery Stipend is pending successful delivery (Checkpoint 3). |
| NON-VIABLE | Fails ANY single specification. Document the failure in the report and leave the carcass. | Assessment Stipend + Mileage Paid. Compensates for professional effort and report delivery; the Full Recovery Contract is voided. |