V.RDA.2101 - Residues in Livestock Production - On-farm risk mitigation

Summary

Presently, Australia’s red meat integrity systems rely on manual on-farm processes to identify animals that have been treated with Hormone Growth Promotant (HGP), veterinary chemical treatments or exposed to agricultural chemicals and heavy metals. The producer or person responsible is required to identify treated animals or animals at risk on their Livestock Production Assurance National Vendor Declaration (LPA NVD) when livestock are moved. The Residues in Livestock Production On-Farm Risk Mitigation project was undertaken to strengthen on-farm risk management around biosecurity and food safety by improving the capture of on-farm recording and declaration of cattle treatments and communication of this down the supply chain.

Objectives

1. Red meat chemical and heavy metal detection/notification system/process completely mapped and interviews with relevant stakeholders undertaken to clearly identify pain points.
2. Straw man developed for proposed new system/process following review of processes in other industries and synthesis of stakeholder feedback.
3. Straw man tested with relevant stakeholders and refined.
4. Commercialisation pathway defined.

Key findings

This project undertook a consultative, user-led approach to strengthen on-farm risk management around biosecurity and food safety by improving the capture of on-farm recording and declaration of cattle treatments in the cattle production process. A comprehensive summary of the completed discovery phase was provided.

The discovery phase highlighted cattle treatments and potential contaminants continue to pose significant risks. While many risks are known and well-documented, some less well-known risks were identified such as the cumulative effects of multiple treatments applied to animals that might be inducted onto multiple properties in a short timeframe.

The discovery phase identified a range of opportunities, and a proposed on-farm risk mitigation concept was developed and validated with ISC stakeholders. Following the validation workshop, ISC made the decision to terminate this project as the deliverables were not going to meet the expected outcomes that ISC were after.

Benefits to industry

The red meat industry should continue to strive for improved risk management of chemical residues and potential contaminants. It is essential that Australia’s reputation as a supplier of wholesome and healthy red meat is maintained and enhanced over time.

MLA action

Based upon the results of the research conducted, it was recommended that ISC to conducted further work internally to define the verification space where residues and contaminants fits, in order to further explore the opportunities derived from the discovery phase. By adopting this approach, ISC will be able to ideate on concepts, that can be validated with users to further understand where enhancements can be made, to deliver demonstrated enhancements to the service.

Future research

Future research opportunities will stem from analysis of current research priorities and any associated gaps. Further engagement with stakeholders will also provide support for ISC in determining future research and development priorities.