Food Safety & Inspections

Our plants implemented HACCP based Meat Safety Quality Assurance (MSQA) in 1997. 

Each plant has a HACCP program that meets the requirements of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and each is in compliance with requirements (at least equal) to the US Federal Meat Inspection Act and said regulations.

In Australia, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is charged with meat safety and inspection of all export packing and fabrication plants and is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry Australia.

These programs are continually updated to reflect new requirements by AQIS and USDA/FSIS. 

Overview Processes and Procedures

Cattle presented for processing are rested a minimum of 12 hours in clean pens  with access to water. In this environment cattle relax and empty their stomach contents. Shortly prior to processing, cattle are washed thoroughly to increase cleanliness.

All cattle must have a tail tag applied in order to be eligible for processing. The tail tag's primary purpose is to identify the animal's ranch of origin. This information is entered into plant records and links with Kill through fabrication records, carcass tickets and electronic labeling systems which dovetail to form an effective  traceback program in the unlikely event that traceback from USA to the Australian ranch is necessary.     

Ante Mortem Inspections are conducted by AQIS Veterinarians as well as skilled on-plant technicians to ensure only healthy animals are presented for processing.  Ante Mortem inspections also monitor correct animal identification, integrity of any Hormone and Antibiotic Free, Certified organic lots and the like.

AQIS on-line Meat Inspectors check the health and safety status post mortem.  On Plant HACCP procedures / SSOP and  CCP auditing is performed by qualified on-plant QA staff who are regularly audited by AQIS and USDA reviewers.

Equipment Sterilization procedures are monitored to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness.  Carcass Swabs and other checks throughout the slaughter process ensure the cleanest possible carcasses are presented for fabrication. 

The net result of these through chain procedures and Quality systems is "Ultra Clean" beef with exceptional shelf life.

Beef that passes the rigorous inspection processes receives an "Australia Inspected" stamp and is eligible for containerization and export.

Export containers of Australian Inspected beef receive an official tamper proof seal and an official Health Certificate is  issued by AQIS for the load.  This Health Certificate travels with the container's documents and is presented to the USDA inspector at the port of entry Stateside.

Upon arrival the container is brought to an official USDA approved inspection house (I-House) for USDA Re-inspection. 

The original health certificate is presented to the USDA inspector.  If all is in order the load is staged for re-inspection.  Meat that passes inspection receives the official USDA inspection stamp.

Once the meat is stamped it is can enter into USA commerce.

Australia is regarded as having the highest food safety standards worldwide.

Food Safety & Inspection Links