History

History of AUS-MEAT

AUS-MEAT Limited is an industry owned company operating as a joint venture between Meat & 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: 2000.

 In 1998, AUS-MEAT was corporatised as a separate entity as a part of a major restructure of industry bodies. It now operates as a non-profit company limited by guarantee that is wholly owned by its member bodies, MLA and AMPC. AUS-MEAT Limited is cited as the 'Standards Body' responsible for setting standards for meat for export under Regulation 3 (1) of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry (Export Licensing) Regulations 1998.

 A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) confirms the arrangements between AQIS and AUS-MEAT for the verification of trade description requirements under the Export Control Act 1982 and the Export Control (Meat and Meat Products) Orders

2005 (Orders). The principal objectives of AUS-MEAT relevant to this Memorandum are the management of Industry Standards for trade description through the Australian Meat Industry Classification System (AUS-MEAT Language) and the AUS-MEAT National Accreditation Standards for AUS-MEAT Accredited Enterprises. These core objectives have remained unchanged since its inception in 1987.

 AUS-MEAT's Industry ownership is a key feature of the co regulatory partnership between Government and Industry which is implemented through the Australian Meat Industry Language and Standards Committee convened by AUS-MEAT.

 Whilst AUS-MEAT's charter is to provide services to the Meat and Livestock Industry, business diversification and growth led to the formation of AUS-QUAL Pty Ltd, a subsidiary company of AUS-MEAT, providing Certification and Conformity Assessment services to the Agriculture, Horticulture and Plant production and processing industries.

"To service the Australian Meat and Livestock industry as the prestige industry owned standards management and certification body through use of internationally recognised quality management principles."