AUS-MEAT Limited is a not-for-profit industry owned company set up in 1998 as part of a major restructure of Australia’s red meat industry bodies. The red meat industry comprises cattle, sheep and goats. The business is a joint venture limited by guarantee between the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) under an arrangement with the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry. This arrangement is covered under a Letter of Exchange between the two parties and appoints AUS-MEAT Authorized Officers to conduct audits concerning matters relating to Trade Description requirements.
The principal objectives of the business are:
The management of red meat trade descriptions.
Known as the AUS-MEAT Language, this description system is managed by the Australian Meat Industry Language and Standards Committee (AMILSC) and administered by AUS-MEAT. The AUS-MEAT Language is a standard way of describing meat products and has been adopted throughout the Australian meat industry to provide industry and retail customers alike with an accurate way of identifying and ordering meat products. These trade descriptions are published in the “Handbook of Australian Meat” (available in shop)
AUS-MEAT National Accreditation Standards (optional for domestic establishments).
The standards ensure that processors' quality systems are independently audited and cover quality assurance procedures throughout every step of the process, from handling, storage, processing and packaging through to labelling and description of meat products. This ensures meat products are produced by trained staff and monitored throughout production by accredited personnel. The standards are essential to the international reputation and integrity of Australia’s red meat export market.
These core objectives have remained unchanged since their inception, and the business has been a key independent component in the growth and success of the Australian red meat industry.
Business growth led to the formation of AUS-QUAL, a sister brand of AUS-MEAT, which provides services to the broader agricultural industry such as horticulture, food safety and animal welfare. Growing sectors include poultry & eggs, the pig industry and social & ethical compliance programs. The business has also introduced its on-farm services into New Zealand, where its experience, renowned integrity and level of service have made it a market leader.
AUS-MEAT runs efficient, disciplined business practices operating under internationally recognised Quality Management Systems: ISO 9001: 2015 and all its auditors are Exemplar Global registered. Additionally, we have JAS-ANZ (BRC, SQF, Freshcare, GlobalG.A.P., AWPCS) accreditation.
AUS-MEAT is now Australia & New Zealand’s leading training, auditing and certification for agribusiness and offers over 60 different programs.