RMAA Newsletter May 2017

May 30, 2017

Kindly view the RMAA May Newsletter on our website, the Newsletter contains information on:

The RMAA Conference and Congress took place at the Spier Wine Farms on the 17—19 May 2017. During the RMAA Conference and congress, feedback was provided on the activities of the Association, DAFF and Red Meat Industry Forum. Current industry discussions included a national traceability system, revision of the Hygiene Assessment System, research priorities of the industry and a pilot project on residue monitoring with DAFF. This pilot project was concluded with results posted to the participating abattoirs and to DAFF as part of the National Residue Monitoring Programs. During the feedback by Michelle de Lange, manager of the RMIF a decline in slaughter numbers was reflected between March 2016 and Feb 2017. The current statutory measure, which is proportional transaction statutory levy, lapses on 4 November 2017. Current functions include Consumer Assurances, Industry Liaison, Consumer Education, Production Development, Transformation, Research and Compliance. In the feedback by DAFF, Dr Goremucheche indicated that the process of gazetting the Meat Inspection Scheme was initiated. He also provided background to the Compulsory Community Service which promote accessibility of veterinary services and provide an opportunity for these young veterinarians to acquire knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving skills that will help their professional development. The Association also requested that the standards of meat inspection and regulatory control be applied on an equitable standard in all provinces.Industry also asked the department to consider National guidelines for the decontamination products and processes as applied in the abattoir industry. Following the feedback on livestock welfare, the Association will update the regulatory guideline on Livestock welfare to include the international legislation as applicable for export purposes but also to serve as reference for local facilities in improving welfare standards. The evaluation on effectiveness of stunning deserves specific attention. Jarvis will also present the abattoirs with a document to confirm the effectiveness of stunning equipment to be available on site.

We are currently in the process of designing the 2018 RMAA Diaries companies interested in advertising in the diaries kindly contact Michelle marketing@rmaa.co.za
The RMAA has a new Associated Member, Butcher and Meat Processing Equipment (BMPE) who is a leading supplier of superior quality New and Refurbished meat processing equipment to the African market. Their primary focus is to provide a professional service to the food industry with regards to Equipment, Spares and the latest Technological innovation
Training feedback issued in the newsletter.
The next HMS HACCP course will be held on the 25—28 July 2017 at CSIR, remember to book your spot in advance
The AgriSETA Roadshow took place on the 9th July in Gauteng, find the updated information on page 12
Find information of the reports submitted by RMAA and AST on page 15, along with the up and coming events the association will attend.
The South African National Consumer Union has expressed concern at the cost implications of inspection services currently being introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). Read more on page 16.
SAMIC became associated members with the Southern African Association of Certification Bodies (SAACB), find out more on pg16
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Senzeni Zokwana, invite all interested institutions, organisations and individuals to submit written comments on the “Discussion Paper on the review of Bovine Brucellosis Control”, before the 30th June 2017.