Meat Notice 2022-01 - Confirming meat packaging requirements under the Export Control Act 2020

NSFS reference: 13

Issue date: 27 April 2022

Date of effect: Immediate

Review date: April 2023

Contacts:
Operational Integrity, Export Meat Program
Exports and Veterinary Services Division
exportmeatoperations@awe.gov.au

Export Standards Branch,
Exports and Veterinary Services Division
exportstandards@awe.gov.au

Purpose

To confirm for export registered establishments eligible to produce meat and meat products of the currency of packaging requirements under AS 4696:2007 ‘Hygienic production and transportation of meat and meat products for human consumption’ after the withdrawal of AS 3724:1994 ‘Fibreboard boxes for the export of meat, meat products and offal’ by Standards Australia.

Scope

• This notice applies to all meat and meat product establishments registered for export operations under the Export Control Act 2020 (the Act).
• This notice only applies to the withdrawal of AS 3724
• Other packaging requirements relating to export meat and meat products are not impacted by this Meat Notice. It continues to remain the responsibility of export establishments to comply with importing country requirements.

Background

In 2019, Standards Australia withdrew AS 3724:1994 which was the Australian standard that directed the requirements for fibreboard boxes for the export of meat, meat products and offal.

Despite this withdrawal, AS 4696:2007 remains in effect, with Part 5 – Packaging, Storage, and Handling – directing for the outcome that ‘During packaging the wholesomeness of meat and meat products is not jeopardised and all packaging and labelling comply with the requirements of the Food Standards Code’.

The Department will update for currency relevant policy material on the Electronic Legislation, Manuals and Essential References (ELMER-3) section of the Department’s website, including: https://www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/controlled-goods/meat/elmer-3/cartons  

Please note, the Department is aware that an industry working group is currently underway in establishing a new reference document to discuss a minimum standard as relates to this and will be following its development.

Responsibilities

Establishment Management must:

1. Fibreboard boxes for export of meat and meat product have a fit for purpose declaration from the supplier and must comply with the basic requirements described in AS4696:2007, specifically with regards to 14.1, 14.2, and 14.3:
2. 14.1 The packaging, inks, tags and labels used to package meat and meat products: (a) do not contaminate meat and meat products; and (b) are free from substances that are capable of contaminating meat and meat products.
3. 14.2 The packaging, tags and labels used are sufficiently strong and are fit for: (a) the purpose for which they are used; and (b) the conditions under which the meat and meat products are to be stored, handled and transported; and (c) meat and meat products of the kind for which they are used.
4. 14.3 The manner in which meat and meat product are packaged and the material used for their packaging: (a) ensures their wholesomeness is not jeopardised during packaging; and (b) effectively protects them from contamination and deterioration in the condition under which they are to be stored, handled and transported.

Departmental on-plant officers will:

1. Provide establishment management with a copy of this Meat Notice (MN).
2. Include in MEVS activities verification that the fibreboard boxes being used by the establishment have a fit for purpose declaration from the supplier and comply with the  requirements described in AS 4696:2007.

The Export Meat Program will:

1. Ensure this Meat Notice is reviewed and remains current with the requirements set out under the Australian Standards.

Adam Balcerak
Director
Export Meat Program