To provide our customers total assurance in our product we take certification, quality assurance and accreditation very, very seriously. With differing requirements at every step of meat production we work with a wide range of certification and industry bodies, and regulators to ensure that our operation meets and exceeds compliance requirements at every stage.
Below is a list of the main bodies that provide certifications and accreditations for our producers, processors and products. Where relevant you can click on the links beneath the listing to view our certificates.
Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACO)
This organic certification is based on the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) Export Standard known as the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce, plus additional International Organic Standard guidelines. The Australian certifying standard for all Arcadian produce is the Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACO).
United States Department of Agriculture – National Organic Program (USDA NOP)
This is an organic compliance standard to ensure the integrity of USDA organic products in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Organic is a labelling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilisers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.
United States Food Inspection Service (FSIS)
FSIS is responsible for assuring that U.S. imported meat, poultry and egg products are safe, wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labelled and packaged.
Canada Organic Regime (COR)
The Canada Organic Regime [COR] is the Government of Canada’s response to requests by the organic sector and consumers to develop a regulated system for organic agricultural products. The Organic Products Regulations (the Regulations) define specific requirements for organic products to be labelled as organic or that bear the organic agricultural product legend (logo). The regulations came into effect on 30 June 2009.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for the monitoring and enforcement of the Regulations. Under the Regime, Certification Bodies are accredited based on the recommendation of CFIA designated Conformity Verification Bodies. The Certification Bodies are responsible for verifying the application of the Canadian Organic Standards.
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC)
This is the Peak Council that represents retailers, processors and smallgoods manufacturers and is the only industry association representing the post-farm-gate Australian meat industry.
As the Peak Council, the Australian Meat Industry Council confers with members, governments and industry groups to influence policy and provide technical and other advice to the industry.
The Australian Meat Industry Council represents its members on many committees – ranging from technical, food standards, food safety, communications and export – to ensure the best trading environment for members and the industry.
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture (DA)
The Department of Agriculture manages quarantine controls at our borders to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering the country. The Department of Agriculture also provides import and export inspection and certification to help retain Australia’s highly favourable animal, plant and human health status and wide access to overseas export markets. Australia is free from a number of biological threats, such as foot and mouth disease, that have had major economic and environmental consequences for other countries.
AUS-MEAT Limited
This is an industry-owned company operating as a joint venture between Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC). AUS-MEAT runs efficient, disciplined business practices operating under internationally recognised Quality Management Systems: ISO 9001:2008 or ISO 22000:2005.
Quality Management Systems (QMS)
Quality Management Systems can be defined as a set of policies, processes and procedures required for planning and execution (Production / Development / Service) in the core business area of an organisation. QMS integrates the various internal processes within the organisation and intends to provide a process approach for project execution. QMS enables the organisations to identify, measure, control and improve the various core business processes that will ultimately lead to improved business performance.
AUS-MEAT Accreditation – QMS
AUS-MEAT Limited offers accreditation programs for the Australian and New Zealand Meat Industry where Accredited Enterprises must implement an AUS-MEAT-approved QMS designed to ensure consistency and accurate product description.
Each Accredited Enterprise (Abattoir, Boning Room, Cold Store, Wholesale /Food Service operation) must establish and maintain a QMS approved by AUS-MEAT, which covers all activities conducted within the Enterprise which use or may impinge on the AUS-MEAT Language. All QMS documentation, including the QMS Manual must be approved by AUS-MEAT prior to Accreditation.
Livestock Programs – QMS
AUS-MEAT Limited provides Management, Auditing and Administration services for the implementation of other industry-owned, QMS-based accreditation programs.
Livestock Production Assurance (LPA)
This is an on-farm food safety certification program designed to help the red meat industry strengthen the food safety systems currently in place. LPA is part of a two-tiered framework which defines the delivery of on-farm quality assurance programs.
MSA Graded Organic Beef (MSA)
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has developed a global tenderness-grading program, the MSA Grading System (Meat Standards Australia). This is the world’s only consumer-based eating quality grading system. MSA provides an endorsement of quality for graded cuts of red meat indicating product has met quality standards for tenderness, juiciness and flavour.The constant commitment to product quality and integrity is the secret to consistent and outstanding quality – and underpins the high levels of customer satisfaction experienced.
National Livestock Identification System
The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia’s system for identification and traceability of livestock. It was introduced in 1999 to enhance Australia’s ability to track cattle during disease and food incidents. Since then it has expanded to enable not only cattle, but also sheep and goats to be traced from property of birth to slaughter for:
- Biosecurity
- Meat safety
- Product integrity
- Market access
NLIS is endorsed by major producer, feedlot, agent, saleyard and processor bodies. NLIS Ltd operates the central NLIS Database on which the livestock movements must be recorded.
Global Animal Partnership (Step 4)
Global Animal Partnership is a non-profit alliance of producers. The 5-Step GAP Animal Welfare Rating Program promotes and facilitates continuous improvement in animal agriculture, encourages animal welfare friendly farming practices, and informs consumers about the animal farming systems they choose to support.
Find out more about the program here
Non-GMO Project
The Non-GMO Project, a non-profit organization offers third party verification and labelling for non-GMO (genetically modified organism) food and products within the United States.
Find out more here.
Pasture Fed Cattle Assurance System
The Pasturefed Cattle Assurance System, or PCAS for short, is an Australian third party audited assurance program that enables the industry to prove claims relating to pasturefed or grassfed production methods.
Find out more here.
