INSPECTION AND AUDITING OF QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMS AT DOMESTIC MEAT PROCESSING FACILITIES

The South Australian Government is to engage the services of suitably qualified companies, organisations or individuals to carry out audits of quality assurance programs and inspections of all accredited operations of the meat industry in South Australia covered by the Meat Hygiene Act 1994. Accordingly, the S.A. Government is seeking expressions of interest from companies, organisations or individuals with the necessary qualifications and experience capable of providing an audit/inspection service to the meat industry in South Australia. Interested parties may wish to nominate to service particular sectors, or all sectors of the meat industry. The intention is to approve audit/inspection providers on a contestable basis whereby meat processors can choose from a list of approved providers. However, if contestability proves un-viable, an alternative arrangement will be to approve a single contractor(s), similar to current arrangements. Service Agreements will commence from 26 January 2001. Interested companies, organisations or individuals are requested to provide:  a brief profile of their business including history, number and location of employees, etc;  a statement detailing the extent to which the audit/inspection service can be provided including – (a) areas/regions of South Australia in which services can be offered; and (b) sectors of the industry in which services can be offered.  details of relevant skills and experience in providing and monitoring meat inspection procedures and hygienic and sanitary processing procedures (including an indication of individuals registered with the Quality Society of Australasia as certified food safety auditors);  details of relevant skills and experience in developing, implementing and auditing quality assurance programs;  an indicative statement of charges;  the names of referees; and  contact name, address, telephone and fax numbers. Electronic copy of the specifications will be available for download later this week.