FSA recommendation on the equivalence of the post-mortem inspection procedures of red meat products in Australia

Background 

In November 2022 Defra’s UK Office for Sanitary and Phytosanitary Trade Assurance (UK Office) requested the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to assess whether Australia’s proposed changes to their post-mortem inspection procedures in exported buffalo, cattle, sheep and goat meat would be equivalent to Great Britain’s legislation on food safety requirements. FSA sought to determine whether the alternative measures proposed could be considered equivalent to the relevant requirements set out in Great Britain’s legislation. 

FSA’s assessment was based on the information contained in the original submission from Australia, plus additional information provided by the Australian Authorities at the request of the FSA.

March 2025 FSA recommendation 

FSA concluded that Australia’s proposals in relation to their post-mortem inspection procedure for viscera and carcase lymph nodes of sheep and goats, and heads of cattle and buffalo to be equivalent to current requirements set out in Great Britain’s legislation. However, the acceptance of these changes relies on Australia maintaining its bovine tuberculosis-free status and comprehensive risk management measures, with potential reconsideration if this changes.