The Australian red meat industry is unrivalled in its commitment to safety, integrity and traceability. A collective effort across the industry ensures world-leading food safety and quality standards, equal to the highest standards of producers across the EU.
As part of constant efforts to ensure Australia remains at the pinnacle of world meat safety standards, the Australian government and red meat industry worked together to establish SAFEMEAT.
What is SAFEMEAT?
SAFEMEAT is a partnership between the red meat and livestock industry and the state and federal governments of Australia. It’s a comprehensive programme designed to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of guaranteed food safety. SAFEMEAT provides oversight and direction on the safety systems that are in place throughout the production supply chain; whether it is on the farm, at the feedlot, at the sale yard, during transportation or during processing and distribution. It aligns with and complements Australia’s strict animal welfare standards.
As part of this framework, SAFEMEAT initiates research and development, develops communication linkages, monitors the status of Australia’s products, reviews standards and examines emerging issues that could have an impact on the industry in the future. MLA’s food safety research contributes to the SAFEMEAT programme.
SAFEMEAT also encourages the rationalisation of regulation and standards within the industry, drives the direction of meat safety and hygiene strategies, and monitors industry performance in relation to those standards and strategies.
Why is it so important?
As a global exporter of red meat to over 100 countries, it’s important that Australia live up to its reputation as a reliable provider of high-quality red meat that is totally safe for consumption. The SAFEMEAT partnership helps us do this, ensuring that the Australian red meat industry meets and often exceeds global best practices for food safety.
Thanks to SAFEMEAT, EU consumers can rest assured that the Australian red meat they enjoy has been produced to the strictest food safety standards, from farm to plate.
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Article Date: 9th September 2019