Frozen beef preliminary consignment
| Project start date: | 10 October 2008 |
| Project end date: | 15 February 2009 |
| Publication date: | 01 January 2009 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grassfed cattle, Grainfed cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
Background
Ingress of plastic bags and liners into the ground beef supply chain is a concern. In addition, the cost of packaging and its disposal is a significant cost. So called 'naked block' is a method of freezing beef trim meat destined to ground beef markets, thereby reducing packaging materials. The frozen blocks of meat trim can be palletised in bulk.
Research & development
MLA and Food Science Australia collaborated under project A.SCTR.011 to develop a concept for a Next Generation Trim Packing Process, that included a 'naked block' freezing approach. Further work on this approach was carried out under project A.TEC.0056.
Based on the above, project A.TEC.0067 was intended to be the first stage of a planned program to innovate the way beef for manufacturing purposes is frozen, handled, and packaged for distribution, namely the preparation of one-tonne shipping units of frozen blocks rather than the conventional 27.2 kg cartons. Production issues, food safety, and commercial feasibility were evaluated via trial shipments to the USA.
The cost/benefits of 'naked block' freezing were reviewed under project A.TEC.0068.
Outcomes
Despite being in use in Europe and success from the above trials, take up of this approach by Australian processors has not progressed further.
More information
| Project manager: | David Doral |
| Primary researcher: | Food Science Australia |
