Meat Processing Regulations
The Meat Industry Authority Act (1976) requires that any Western Australian premises processing animals for meat for human consumption must be approved by the Authority.It is an offence to sell meat that has been processed from non-approved premises.
The Authority reviews premises to ensure that the operators are conducting their business ethically and according to the conditions of their approval.
The Authority has established a policy of approving establishments in Western Australia according to categories based on construction and operating meat processing standards.
All establishments are required to meet the Australian Construction Standard. The following categories currently apply for all processing establishments in Western Australia.
|
Category
|
Standard / Inspection
|
Market Access
|
Number as at 30/06/06
|
| Export | • Export standards and importing country requirements • AQIS Inspection |
No restrictions in Australia |
10
|
| Domestic - (Unrestricted) |
• Australian Standard Health Dept / Local Govt Inspection |
No restrictions in Australia |
10
|
| Domestic - (No Government Meat Inspection) |
• Australian standard |
Distribution and capacity restrictions |
2
|
| Special - Prison Farms and Ag Colleges |
• Australian standard • Health Dept / Local Govt Inspection |
Internal supply and capacity restrictions |
6
|
The Authority’s Act and Regulations specify certain requirements for establishment operators with respect to carcase roller branding of Lamb, Hogget and Gold Beef. The Authority works with a number of processors to approve brand name carcase brands to promote prime product. These brands are approved subject to the provision of specific criteria for product eligibility.
All establishments that carry out carcase roller branding do so under the supervision of full time government meat inspection services. All carcase brands are held under the security of the inspection service and there is regular communication between the Authority and the inspection service on branding activities.
Close liaison is maintained with other regulatory bodies regarding the status of carcase branding programs and any difficulties are acted on immediately. Authority staff carry out random inspections of processing establishments, boning rooms, meat auctions and supermarkets and retail butchers to ensure compliance with branding provisions.
For further information contact the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority at wamia@wamia.wa.gov.au
