The EU regularly audits third countries, including Australia, to ensure that EU legislation on food safety, animal health and animal welfare, is properly enforced.
In its most recent audit in 2015, the EU inspectors looked at Australian systems for certifying animals and meat, and controlling and recording animal movements. They found that Australia is fully capable of producing beef that meets EU requirements.
Such audits are important, as they prove that Australian beef is absolutely safe – a top priority for the industry. The audit report noted that all hazard analysis, microbiology testing, sharing of food chain information, cattle ID markings and ante-mortem inspection criteria were met. Animal welfare standards at the time of slaughter were also fully in line with EU standards.
As part of the audit, three establishments carried out traceability exercises and, in each instance, it was proved that only EU-eligible beef had been certified as such. This is due to the EUCAS ringfencing system, designed to ensure that Australian beef destined for the EU is completely free of hormones.
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FOOD SAFETYPRODUCTION INTEGRITYANIMAL WELFAREPRODUCTIONTRADE & STATISTICSQUALITYSUPPLY CHAIN
Article Date: 6th May 2019