The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) plans to trial a series of inspections on sheep processing chains this November.
The trials, which will include three meat processing facilities – yet to be named, will run as a part of the government’s push for the export industry to meet the standards of the international Codex Code of Hygiene Practice for Meat.
Acting Deputy Director-General in food safety Carol Barnao at NZFSA said current quality and food safety performance criteria would be applied continuously during the trials. Extra controls by onsite NZFSA staff will also be put in place during the trials to ensure continued safety and suitability of products.
Similar inspections are being trialled in Australia, Europe, the US and the UK.
According to NZFSA, trial results will be evaluated before any proposals to change current requirements for sheep and lamb inspections are made.
For more information visit: https://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/animalproducts/subject/ovine/index.htm