Guidelines for visual inspection of skin-on goat
25 July 2016
Following a number of Port of Entry (POE) rejections of skin-on goatmeat, training aids have now been developed to assist overseas inspectors in becoming more familiar with the product, further reducing the likelihood of rejections due to misidentification of potential ‘contaminants’.
Characteristics of particular interest were residual black stubble and naturally dark or mottled skin pigmentation especially in black-haired goats which can be common on skin-on goat.
The project, funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) included a microbiological study of the unique aspects of the skin-on product including the impact of black stubble and skin pigmentation on micro counts and the wholesomeness of the product. The results established that the stubble and pigmentation represent no food safety risk.
The training aids developed will not just assist overseas inspectors, but help standardise quality assurance training for trimmers and carcase hygiene assessors working on skin-on goats. The full report and links to the various training materials are available from the MLA website (search R&D reports) and a training short video can be watched here.
