QUALITY ASSURANCE OF SOUTHERN GAME MEAT’S KANGAROO MEAT:

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)

All kangaroo carcasses destined for export markets are individually subjected to post mortem inspection by highly trained inspectors under the supervision of AQIS Veterinary Officers. AQIS is the Government authority, which provides food inspection services for the export of Australian agricultural and fishery products and ensures that food products intended for export are safe and truthfully labelled. The application of the "Australia Approved" stamp, which includes the unique establishment registration number, indicates that the product has passed postmortem inspection. The purpose of postmortem inspection is to detect abnormalities and to pass as fit food for human consumption only game carcasses which are fit for that purpose. Kangaroo is also included in the National Residue Survey, which provides continuing monitoring as to the absence of chemical residues thereby providing assurance for consumers and regulators in this regard. It is also AQIS’ responsibility to certify that any product destined for overseas countries complies with all the requirements of the country of destination.

Quality Assurance

The construction of game processing establishments has to comply with the requirements of the Australian Standard for Construction of Premises Processing Meat for Human Consumption and the Export Control Act 1982. The Australian game meat industry and controlling authorities have agreed on a joint approach to the standardization of process control systems in game meat operations such as the facilitating of training, the assessment of compliance and the certification of fresh meat. Each of these programs is individually designed on a premises-by-premises basis for the particular circumstances in which it is operated.

The aim of process control programmes is the production of safe and hygienic game meat that complies with all the provisions of International Codes such as the Codex Alimentarius as well as the Australian Code of Practice. A processing establishment must first be registered by AQIS before it can prepare kangaroo meat or meat products for export. A certificate of registration is provided when legislative requirements relating to construction and equipment, operating procedures and administrative aspects of preparing kangaroo meat for export are satisfied.

AQIS also monitors the application and results of the quality assurance program with respect to all matters relating to the safety and hygiene of the kangaroo processing industry.
 

THE PROCESS OF GAME MEAT IN AUSTRALIA

The Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australian and New Zealand (ARMCANZ) which comprises the Australian Federal, State and Territory and New Zealand Ministers have produced a standard on "Game Meat for Human Consumption" June 1996. This Code, has been implemented Australia-wide for the production of kangaroo meat and is written in substantial compliance with Codex Alimentarius Volume 10, and deals with the production, processing, handling and transportation of game meat for human consumption and for products derived from game meat.

The Australian Code contains minimum requirements to assure a safe and wholesome product and requires compliance with the relevant Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals.

Code of Practice for the Humane Killing of Kangaroos

A "Code of Practice for the Humane Killing of Kangaroos" has been produced in a cooperative effort by the wildlife authorities in Australia. The code sets high standards for kangaroo harvesting. Professional kangaroo shooters are expert marksmen. They use centrefire rifles that shoot targets cleanly, causing instant death. Steel jawed traps, archery or handguns, which are permitted in other parts of the world for wildlife harvesting, are not used in kangaroo harvesting.

Field Depots

Field depots are used for holding game carcasses under refrigeration until transported to a game-processing establishment. Field Depots must comply with the meat transport requirements of the Australian Standard for the transport of Meat for Human Consumption. They must be constructed and maintained to a standard that "results in minimal microbial growth and contamination during cooling and storage of game animal carcasses" ... and ... "be provided with adequate refrigeration to chill carcasses placed in it to a deep muscle temperature of 7ºC within 24 hours of delivery".

The kangaroo carcasses are then trucked in containers to a game-packing establishment in refrigerated transport and presented for inspection in a sound and hygienic condition. The operation of Field Depots is subject to audit by the Controlling Authority.

Southern Game Meat's wide range of pan-ready gourmet cuts are expertly trimmed then vacuum packed in high barrier vacuum bags. The most popular cooking techniques are pan frying, barbecuing, char grilling, stir frying. braising, casseroling and stewing.

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