Meat Standards Australia

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MSA, a programme of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) was developed by the Australian red meat industry to improve the eating quality consistency of beef and sheepmeat.

The system is based on almost 1.7 million consumer taste tests by more than 250,000 consumers from 13 countries and considers all factors that affect eating quality from the paddock to plate.

MSA involves all sectors of the supply chain from paddock to plate. A wide range of cattle and sheep management practices, processing systems, cuts, ageing periods and cooking methods have been researched to determine the impact each has on eating quality.

MLA supports MSA program participants through creating opportunities for businesses to adopt eating quality principles.

MSA Annual Outcomes Report for 2023-24

Linking myMLA and myMSA accounts - how-to guide

USDA tick of approval

MSA is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Process Verified Program (PVP), enabling MSA-licensed brand owners to display the USDA shield on MSA-certified beef and lamb products in America (subject to strict terms and conditions). To enquire about becoming an MSA-licensed brand or using the USDA shield, contact msaenquiries@mla.com.au.

To learn more about the program:
Phone: 1800 111 672
Email: msaenquiries@mla.com.au

Eating quality updates

MSA Sheepmeat Factsheet

The Meat Standards Australia (MSA) program has been conducting eating quality research and development (R&D) for a number of decades. This includes laboratory assessment and untrained consumer sensory assessment using the world leading MSA protocols.

MSA Annual Outcomes Report 2023–24

In 2023–24, the average MSA Index for MSA-compliant carcases was 58.36, an increase of 0.84 from the national average MSA Index of 57.52 in 2022–23.

MSA Excellence in Eating Quality Awards 2021–23

Beef producers who consistently deliver superior eating quality beef are recognised at the MSA Excellence in Eating Quality series.

2023 Australian Beef Eating Quality Insights

The results of MSA grading for over 6.64 million cattle processed during 2021–23 were analysed to understand the trends and drivers of eating quality.

World-first development in eating quality for the Australian lamb industry

Lamb processors and brand owners in Australia will be able to benchmark their product and ensure it meets their customer needs following commercial accreditation of the MEQ probe.

Lamb lean meat yield manual

Lean meat yield (LMY%) is an important profit driver for the lamb meat supply chain, however, increasing LMY% can reduce meat eating quality.