P.PIP.0590 - Reporting on real time conditions impacting red meat export packaging and products
Export of red meat products entails the movement of products over long distances through packing, transportation, storage, and retail operations and finally into the home.
| Project start date: | 29 December 2021 |
| Project end date: | 30 March 2024 |
| Publication date: | 24 January 2024 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National, International |
Summary
The project aims to test environmental monitoring for product and packaging through the use of real-time temperature and humidity data, combined with linking information such as photos of product and packaging on arrival of export markets.
In addition to identifying and fixing cold chain issues, it will also provide insight on current packaging performance due to variable environmental factors.
By the end of this project, the processor will implement a process to monitor, and use the shelf life model, to make informed decisions which will provide customers assurance of shelf life. This gives industry another case study on how issues were resolved and financial benefits of using real time tracking and cold chain management, including frozen products.
Objectives
This project aimed to test the implications of humidity and temperature on export red meat packaging from the processor using real-time tracking, temperature, and humidity logging. Data obtained and analysed will provide important information regarding the current sustainability and robustness of Australian Meat Group’s (AMG) current packaging provider. In partnership with their packaging provider, AMG will use this data to improve or validate the packaging utilised in high-value red meat exports from their processor. Real time tracking will also provide clarity around AMG’s current export supply chains. Temperature and humidity data, along with the use of the live shelf life calculator will help validate the consistency of products being shipped or air freighted to a variety of export destinations (e.g. the Middle East and Asia).
Key findings
The objectives of this project were not met as it was terminated early.
Benefits to industry
By using the data in conjunction with the shelf-life model it will help exporters to understand impact of temperature on product quality and provide examples of how to improve supply chain performance.
MLA action
This online summary will be published on the MLA R&D website.
Future research
A new project will need to be conducted to achieve the objectives outlined above. This project was designed with a secondary phase of research in-mind, and if the first phase can be run successfully there is potential for follow-up research to take place.
More information
| Project manager: | Long Huynh |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
