30 January 2025 – The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) has released updated standards for the Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System (AAWCS), which now include mandatory video surveillance requirements for accredited processing facilities.

AMIC’s Acting CEO Tim Ryan says this update reflects industry’s commitment to best-practice animal welfare standards in the meat industry.

“The release of version 4.0 of the AAWCS standards, which includes mandatory video surveillance systems, highlights our dedication to ensuring the humane treatment of livestock throughout the processing chain. This technology is already widely embraced by industry and is designed to help processors monitor and validate animal welfare in their facilities.

“Livestock processing establishments already address issues associated with food safety and meat quality using sophisticated quality assurance systems. Animal welfare is no different and the application of quality assurance principles ensures a comprehensive approach, and assists industry to continually improve and demonstrate animal welfare outcomes,” Tim says.

The updated standards were developed in consultation with the RSPCA, AUS-MEAT, Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC), the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and an independent animal welfare expert. Compliance with these updated standards will become a mandatory component of AAWCS from 1 January 2026.

AAWCS, an independently audited certification program established in 2013, ensures adherence to best-practice animal welfare standards from the receival of livestock through to processing. AAWCS accredited facilities include over 80% of sheep, cattle and pigs processed in Australia.

AMPC says that benchmarking of AAWCS against global standards has previously shown that the program is world’s best practice.

“AMPC is now undertaking a benchmarking project assessing the updated AAWCS provisions against key global animal welfare standards to ensure the standards continue to be recognised as best practice internationally, and that we have the evidence to support that claim,” says Ann McDonald, AMPC Program Manager – Markets and Integrity.

The processing sector continues to push the boundaries to ensure industry remains at the forefront of animal welfare. The Casino Food Co-Op is investigating the use of AI to support the monitoring of animal behavior.

“We are working with the CSIRO team to develop and test the use of AI models in lairage to detect and monitor animal behaviours related to both wellbeing and quality. The project has achieved successful results in identifying if animals are relaxed, drinking and displaying normal behaviours. Work continues to enhance the detection of animal behaviours where this information can be used for management decisions and ensure best practice,” says Kalani Moss from The Casino Food Co-Op.

To ensure a smooth transition, AMIC will provide ongoing support and resources to members implementing the updated AAWCS standards. Detailed guidance, including the updated Implementation Guide, is now available for certified members.

To access the updated standards and implementation guide, please visit the AAWCS website at https://aawcs.com.au/standards/

ENDS

About

The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), is the sole Peak Industry body representing the post-farm gate meat industry, including processors, smallgoods manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors through to independent retail butchers and exporters.

Media contact

Jemma Harper – Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager

M: 0429 040 128

E: jharper@amic.org.au

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