Abattoirs panic over monthly hygiene league tables

14 August 1997

Abattoirs panic over monthly hygiene league tables

The government could face legal action from abattoirs if it presses ahead with the publication of a monthly league table detailing individual abattoirs hygiene scores.

The Federation of Fresh Meat Wholesalers complained the “name and shame” drive could be commercially damaging. It would only accept publication of abattoirs names in score bands such as 65-70 averaged over three months.

Jack Cunningham agriculture minister will announce on September 2 that livestock and meat industry organisation have agreed to insist on higher standards from members.

High on the list of priorities is the adoption of hazard analysis and critical control point system that other industries use as well as slaughterhouses in Australia.