Meatco abattoir maintains A-grade status despite receiving minor non-conformances during British Retail Consortium audit
Meatco’s Export Abattoir received eight minor non-conformances during the annual British Retail Consortium audit that was conducted from 6 to 8 May, however, it managed to maintain its A-grade status.
The corporation said that its abattoir was audited based on the revised eight standard requirements released in August 2018, noting that the minor non-conformances have now been investigated with the corrective actions submitted and the report closed off on 14 June 2019.
The audit remains a fundamental accreditation, as it allows Meatco to continue trading with existing markets while opening up possible new marketing opportunities.
Meatco said under the new standards, senior management commitment was one of the key focus areas introduced as part of ‘continuous improvement’. This means that Meatco will have to place more emphasis on senior management involvement in the production of products. Furthermore, the company will continue with its responsibility to produce a safe, legal and authentic product under the revised version. The authenticity of a product allows for the prevention of food fraud towards clients.
“The new version has also introduced a food safety and quality culture whereby an action plan of activities will be implemented throughout the year, educating employees on product safety and quality. The activities will entail putting up engaging posters around the plant and conducting surveys requiring staff participation and having a toll-free confidential line where staff members can report non-conforming activities,” Meatco’s Quality Assurance Manager, Marchella Somaes said.
