MARKING OF MEAT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21910, 20 September 1934, Page 13

MARKING OF MEAT

PRODUCE FOR BRITAIN CARCASES TO BE BRANDED USE OF WORDS "NEW ZEALAND" From now on practically all classes of meat leaving New Zealand for the United Kingdom will be marked on the carcase with the words "New Zealand" in letters half an inch in height. This is in accordance with the requirements of the British Government covering all meat entering Britain, in order to distinguish it from home-killed. The principal requirements are:— Mutton and lamb will be marked in three places on each side—in six places on the carcase. Chilled beef will bo marked by three lines longitudinally over the whole side. Frozen pork will require to be marked four times on each side, involving eight marks on the carcase. Frozen beef does not require to bo marked, but boneless beef, boneless veal and all offals will be marked with an indication of origin on each container.

Strong exception to the marking of meat was taken by New Zealand and Australian representatives, owing to the cost and extra time in preparation and to the belief that the appearance would be seriously depreciated. However, the British: authorities were decided in their requirements, although the original proposals were modified considerably. The choice before the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board was of using the word "Empire," or something more distinctive. The board suggested to the Home authorities the use of the letters "N.Z.," but this was not acceptable. Arrangements were made finally to adopt the use of "New Zealand," and instructions to this effect have been issued to freezing works, which are now moving in the matter. Representatives of the trade state that time and money will be lost in stamping the carcases and it is questionable whether any selling benefit will be gained over foreign meat.

Advice has been received from Australia that the industry there is adopting the use of the word "Empire" for all frozen mutton, lamb and pork, and the word "Australia" for chilled beef. It is understood that Argentina is making use of the word "Argentina."