Meat Industry Regulations 2025.

The Meat Industry Regulations 2025 establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for meat production, processing, transport, and labelling in Victoria under the authority of the Meat Industry Act 1993. The regulations prescribe requirements for branding meat intended for human consumption, labelling pet food containing meat, and licensing meat transport vehicles and processing facilities. They also incorporate Australian Standard AS 4696:2023 for hygienic production and transportation. The regulations define consumable animals and game, explicitly banning the slaughter and sale of horse and donkey meat for human consumption. Branding requirements specify the form and placement of brands on carcasses and meat, with responsibilities assigned to licensees and meat inspectors. Inspectors may reinspect meat and take corrective actions if branding is non-compliant or if meat is deemed unfit for consumption. Pet food labelling must include clear indications that the product is not for human consumption, with visual and textual markers. Licensing provisions for meat transport vehicles detail application procedures, inspection requirements, conditions of licence, and obligations for record-keeping and compliance. Vehicles must meet hygiene standards and display licence labels visibly. The regulations also outline procedures for suspension, revocation, and changes in ownership or registration. Meat processing facilities are subject to inspection and must provide specific operator information. Inspectors may issue directions to address public health risks, and meat deemed unsuitable must be rendered unusable. Game processing facilities are restricted to processing wild deer taken by approved individuals. The regulations include enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and provisions for publication of licensing information.