An Introduction to Meat Messaging

Meat Messaging is an industry program administered by AUS-MEAT with program management through an industry committee (RMSCC) comprising representatives from AMIC, AMPC, MLA, AUS-MEAT, DAFF, GS1 and industry members. Meat Messaging has been initially funded through a number of Industry funding arrangements. In 2017 the industry committee agreed, through industry consultation, that Meat Messaging was to be funded through a "Cost Recovery" model based on billing for each message uploaded to Meat Messaging. In 2022 the industry committee published this model which included a proposed time frame and fee structure, along with a process for adjusting the fee structure on a regular basis to maintain Meat Messaging. For more information on the Meat Messaging cost recovery model contact AUS-MEAT on ausmeat@ausmeat.com.au or 1800 621 903.

How Does Meat Messaging Work?

The Meat Messaging registered Australian exporting establishments' IT management system sends a Meat Messaging Message to the Meat Messaging portal for EVERY shipment that leaves the establishment. The industry program holds the meat consignment information in a secure standards-based industry cloud portal. The Meat Messaging message information that is uploaded to the Meat Messaging portal is the same information that can be accessed on the physical carton/case/carcase. The Meat Messaging industry portal is accessed by supply chain participants and regulatory authorities to determine the authenticity, verification and traceability of meat products. Refer to the DAFF Meat Notices for more details Available here. The uploaded message information can be accessed by the client or import inspection facility in advance through the health certificate or carton/case/pallet barcode information.

The Meat Messaging program is based on the use GS1 bar coding standards and GS1 EANCOM electronic message standards. These GS1 standards do not replace existing regulatory requirements, they assist and supplement these requirements. For more details of the GS1 standards as they apply to the Meat Industry refer to the RMSCC website Available here. Once a company has registered to use Meat Messaging, they have to demonstrate competence in using the Meat Messaging web portal in the test environment. After this process is complete, they will receive approval from DAFF and FSIS and the Australian Meat Exporting Establishment will be listed on the FSIS Import Inspection Operations SharePoint site allowing for approval to rectify missing shipping marks on cartons through this directive.

Introduction to Meat Messaging Learning Resource

The "Introduction to Meat Messaging" Learning Resource is a comprehensive, interactive training program designed to empower learners with the knowledge needed to effectively implement the Meat Messaging system for use with Export Messages, eMTCs and Domestic Messages.

An Export Establishment's key personnel need to have completed the Introduction to Meat Messaging course before the Export Establishment can move from the implementation/ testing phase to commercial/ regulatory use of the Meat Messaging system. For more information on the Meat Messaging Learning Resource go to the AUS-MEAT Training Portal.