Visual monitoring of carcase and carton meats - a system for the 21st century

In AMPC 2018-1070, 12 establishments monitored the microbiological and visual condition of carcase and carton meats (bulk, primals, offal), with the data resulting in radical changes in microbiological testing, supported by industry and DAWR. However, no consensus was gained on an improved way of monitoring visual contamination of carcase and carton meats. This project will revisit the conclusions from AMPC 2018-1070, provide a team of industry representatives with the historical context of the present system, together with comparison of how other industries, both customer and competitor industries, undertake visual monitoring and develop a revised visual assessment system. Outcomes for the industry are reduced costs for compliance. It will reflect the broad change in the industry over recent decades based on the increased proportion of meat exported in boxed form, and will allow establishments to employ risk-based inspection suitable for their individual markets.