How we ensure that red meat for the EU is hormone-free

For cattle to be exported to the EU, they must be certified as free from Hormone Growth Promotants (HGP) under the European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS).

For cattle to be exported to the EU, they certified as free [DB1] from Hormone Growth Promotants (HGP) under the European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS).

Cattle registered under the scheme must be individually identifiable through the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database, to prove they have never come into contact with other cattle, farms, feedlots, or salesyards that are not accredited for distribution to EU markets.

A property (farm, feedlot, saleyard etc.) can be EU accredited only if it keeps its grounds free of HGP products, and HGP-treated cattle. Accreditation is granted for 12 months, and an annual audit must take place to maintain the status.

To retain their EUCAS status, cattle may only be transferred to EUCAS registered properties. On feedlots and salesyards, which are allowed to host both EUCAS and non-EUCAS cattle, a physical separation from other animals must be maintained at all times.

EUCAS-cattle must be identifiable as such throughout the entire supply chain. If an ID tag proving EUCAS status attached at the time of slaughter, the animal will not be eligible for slaughter at EU-listed abattoirs.

This thorough and fully audited unique system ensures that Australian meat sold to EU markets are completely free from artificial hormones.


FOOD SAFETYHORMONESANIMAL WELFAREFEEDLOT SECTORFOOD SAFETYON FARMPROCESSINGPRODUCTION INTEGRITYQUALITY

Article Date: 6th May 2019


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