BSG Targeted Residue Testing Programs

For the Testing of Carcases, Export Meat, and Meat Products

December 2010

Table of Contents

1. Overview

2. Testing arrangements for the National Organochlorine Residue Management (NORM) Program

3. Targeted Antibacterial Residue Testing (TART) Program – antibacterial confirmatory testing for suspect adult cattle

4. The National Antibacterial Residue Minimisation (NARM) Program – Bobby Calves

5. Sheep Targeted Antibacterial Residue Testing (START) Program-Antibacterial Confirmatory Testing for Suspect Sheep and Lambs

6. On-going Endosulfan risk management program based on the National Vendor Declaration

7. Attachment 1: Essential criteria for Sample Collection and Documentation

8. Attachment 2: OC Codes to be Entered on the NRS Laboratory Submission Form

1. Overview

In agriculture, the term residue is generally used to describe small amounts of a chemical, or its breakdown products, that remain in or on a product. In the context of food concerns, a residue may also include metals or other contaminants such as mycotoxins. They may be present in food either through natural circumstances or as a consequence of industrial or agricultural activities.

Residue monitoring in Australia is an important part of an overall strategy to minimise unwanted chemical residues in food. Residue monitoring programs provide verification of the overall agricultural and veterinary chemical regulation system, identifying potential residue problems and indicating where corrective action is required.

Some countries require a government-managed residue-monitoring plan as a condition for market access. To satisfy these requirements and certify the residue and contaminant status of certain commodities for export, BSG uses data from the National Residue Survey (NRS) residue monitoring programs. In addition trading partners will from time to time audit the operation and results of the NRS and other monitoring.

The Orders of the Export Control Act 1982 require compliance with Australian Standards and Importing Country Requirements.

NRS, in close collaboration with other parts of BSG, develop and plan Annual Random Monitoring, Targeted Monitoring and Compliance Programs. The plans are then implemented and managed by the NRS.

BSG uses the results from NRS Random Monitoring Program to provide certification concerning the effectiveness of systems for the control of chemical residues. State meat inspection authorities also reference these results. The Random Monitoring Program is not discussed further in this document. This document deals with Targeted Testing Programs.

NRS targeted monitoring and compliance programs address perceived or known residue or contaminant problems. These programs enable government and industry to implement any necessary preventive quality control and quality assurance measures to minimise risk to consumers and markets. BSG -AQIS On-Plant staff typically collects samples. The NRS contracts laboratories through a competitive tender process. Private and government laboratories wishing to tender are required to participate in laboratory performance evaluation undertaken by the NRS prior to contracts being awarded. During the contract period laboratories undergo regular performance monitoring and evaluation by the NRS. The NRS is an accredited proficiency-testing provider.

1.1 Targeted Monitoring, Compliance and Prevention

Targeted monitoring, compliance testing, and residue prevention projects are designed to meet particular management objectives relating to chemical residue that pose a high or a potential risk to access by Australian products to domestic and export markets. AQIS OPS collect samples* and these sent for testing in accordance with industry requirements. Results are released to relevant authorities and to industry for action where necessary. Targeted programs include:

• National Organochlorine Residue Management program (NORM)*
• Targeted Antibacterial Residue Testing program (TART)
• National Antibacterial Residue Minimisation program (NARM)*
• Sheep Targeted Antibacterial Residue Testing program (START)
• Endosulfan residues in beef

* some samples also collected by establishment personnel

Establishments need to address risks not addressed or species not covered by the industry programs listed above in their Approved Arrangements.

2. Testing arrangements for the National Organochlorine Residue Management (NORM) Program

The NORM program focuses on minimising the risks of organochlorine (OC) residues occurring in beef.

• For sample selection, collection and dispatch instructions for this program refer to NRS Sample, Collection and Dispatch manual.

2.1 Scope This procedure applies to establishments testing product under the National Organochlorine Residue Management (NORM) Program.

2.2 Background

Organochlorine (OC) residues in meat (DDT, dieldrin etc) became a significant issue for Australian market access to the USA in 1987 and have required ongoing management. In early 1994, the Residue Management Group (a predecessor to SAFEMEAT) reviewed the OC residue situation after the successful completion of a property clearance program that existed from 1987-1994. The outcome was the development and implementation of the NORM Program, a program aimed at identifying risk properties and implementing active management at the farm level through on-farm quality assurance. This procedure amends the arrangements for payment for OC tests undertaken as part of the program.

2.3 Discussion

Following the most recent SAFEMEAT review of the NORM program changes were made to the arrangements for payment for OC testing undertaken as part of the program. The Extended Residue Program (ERP) statuses T1, T2 and T3 have been amended with an ‘F’ or ‘V’ suffix (refer to Attachment 2.

Industry funding is available only for testing undertaken on sentinel animals within the first year following discovery of the OC risk and the assigning of a ‘T’ status to the property. Properties eligible for this funding have ERP statuses with an ‘F’ suffix. Properties that have been assigned a ‘T’ status for longer that 1 year have a ‘V’ suffix, indicating that payment for testing is to be under commercial arrangements between the abattoir and the vendor. The testing rates and payment arrangements are listed in Attachment 2.

Dispatch samples only to a NRS approved laboratory

2.4 Responsibilities and Reporting Requirements

2.4.1 Establishment Management

i) To implement the NORM program as per the Program Principles and Guidelines, National Organochlorine Management Program (3rd edition 2010).
ii) Bring to the attention of AQIS of any cattle from targeted properties or sourced from properties quarantined for residues prior to presentation for slaughter.
iii) Exclude from export the carcase and offal of cattle tested and found to contain residues above the relevant importing country standard.
iv) In consultation with the OPVO condemn the carcase/s and offal of cattle tested and found to contain residues above the standards set in the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code.

2.4.2 On-Plant Veterinarians (OPV) /On-Plant Supervisors (OPS):

i) To verify the effectiveness of the establishments NORM program as per the Program Principles and Guidelines, National Organochlorine Management Program (3rd edition 2010).
ii) Verify the establishment ensures that the source property of animals is accredited under LPA food safety program or an equivalent on-farm program that addresses organochlorine risks.
iii) Retain the carcase and offal of tested animals with an ERP T status (T1V, T2V, T1F, T2F, T3V, T3F and T4V).
v)Determine final disposition based on the laboratory test result and notify the establishment of final disposition of the carcase, carcase products and offal.
vi) Notify the ATM of any results where the targeted animal carcase is eligible to be released to the domestic market.

2.4.3 ATM

i) Verify that export registered establishments an approved NORM program, as per the Program Principles and Guidelines, National Organochlorine management Program Manual (3rd edition 2010), included under their approved arrangement.
ii) Notify the relevant State/Territory authorities responsible for domestic meat inspection of laboratory results and final carcase disposition of targeted animal carcases intended for release to the domestic market. (See Final Carcase Disposition for details.)

2.4.4 Laboratories

i) Laboratories are required to report results according to contractual arrangements to: 2.4.NRS

2.4.5 NRS

i) NRS is to report all laboratory results to the relevant State/Territory Residue Coordinator and to AQIS Export Meat Program Central Office.

3. Targeted Antibacterial Residue Testing (TART) Program – antibacterial confirmatory testing for suspect adult cattle

The purpose of this program is to manage the risk of antibacterial residues that exceed the relevant standards in cattle, other than bobby calves, slaughtered at export abattoirs.

3.1 Scope

This procedure applies to all establishments slaughtering cattle for export.

3.2 Background

The presence of antibacterial residues in meat products has the potential to restrict market access of Australia’s produce. SAFEMEAT has reviewed both the NARM and TART programs. The NARM program only applies to bobby calves.

The TART program provides an antibacterial confirmatory testing capability to AQIS On-Plant Veterinarian (OPVO) when suspected that cattle (other than bobby calves) may recently been treated with antibacterial medications (TART program). The TART program covers all cattle, except bobby calves, suspected of receiving recent antibacterial treatment.
Of particular interest are cull dairy cows, hospital penned feedlot cattle and cull bulls. To address the concerns of sensitive markets like the US, EU and Japan, AQIS OPS are to use the laboratory confirmatory capability provided by the TART program to have samples tested when antibacterial residues are suspected.
NRS funding is not available within the TART program for species other than cattle.

3.3 Responsibilities

3.3.1 Establishment Management

i) To implement an effective TART program under the establishment’s approved arrangement.
ii) Bring to the attention of AQIS any cattle identified by the National Vendor Declaration (NVD) as receiving recent antibacterial treatment - including all cattle for which the vendor has answered “Yes” to Q5 of the NVD in respect of such treatment.
ii) Exclude from export the carcase and offal of cattle tested and found to contain residues above the relevant importing country standard.
iii) Condemn the carcase and offal of cattle tested and found to contain residues above the Australian Standard (Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code).

3.3.2 On-Plant Veterinarians (OPVO) /On-Plant Supervisors (OPS):

i) To verify effectiveness of the establishment’s TART program.
ii) Identify targeted animals suspected of having received recent antibacterial treatment, collect, and dispatch tissue samples.
OPVOs must use their professional judgement to select animals (at ante-mortem) or carcasses (at post-mortem) suspected to have received recent antibacterial drug treatment.
ii) Ensure the carcase, carcase parts and offal of tested animals are retained under AQIS supervision until receipt of confirmatory analysis results.
iii) Ensure the establishment is given a copy of the laboratory results.
vi) Sample any cattle identified by the NVD as receiving recent antibacterial treatment.
vii) Other species if residue suspected – contact Meat Program Manager via ATM to authorise testing.

Targeted animals may include:

Cattle	Cattle exhibiting signs of:
identified by the NVD as recently treated with antibacterials suspected of being recently treated with antibacterials with blue dye in the udder known or suspected to have been in the hospital section of a feedlot	Endocarditis Injection sites Injury or inflammatory conditions Mastitis Metritis Pericarditis Peritonitis Pleuritis Pneumonia Septicaemia, pyemia or generalised disease.

3.3.3 Area Technical Manager (ATM)

i) Verify establishments have the TART program included in their approved arrangement and effectively implemented.
ii) Where necessary, for product deemed not fit for export but eligible for human consumption for the domestic market, liaise with relevant State authorities.

3.4 Sampling

3.4.1 The following table details the samples that must be collected for the TART program.

3.4.2 Samples should be collected, packaged, stored and dispatched according to the NRS Sample Collection and Dispatch Manual

Samples that must be collected for the TART program

TART program	Sample	Test type	NRS Residue Testing Submission Form Test Type	Consignment notes 3
Cattle suspect of antibacterial drug treatment	Kidney 1	Test & hold 2	TART	TART
1. Muscle tissue is suitable for testing if kidney is not available, but do not sample injection site granuloma. 2. Carcases (entire carcase or boned) and all carcase parts of targeted cattle must be retained under AQIS supervision until the test results become available. No meat product from any other carcass may be placed in the same carton, irrespective if it is from another targeted animal awaiting test results 3. Use relevant program consignment notes : refer to <NRS Sample Collection and Dispatch Manual>.

3.4.3 Tissue samples are to be sent to an NRS approved laboratory.

NRS will meet the cost of freighting tissue samples to the laboratory and the laboratory analysis costs for samples submitted by OPVO’s under the TART Program.

3.5 Reporting Requirements

3.5.1 Laboratories

Laboratories are required to report results according to contractual arrangements to:

a) AQIS OPVO/OPS
b) NRS

3.5.2 AQIS OPVO/ OPS are to:

a) Notify the establishment of the final disposition of the carcase and offal based on the laboratory test result, and
b) For targeted animal carcase that are to be released to the domestic market; consult with the ATM to ensure the relevant State/Territory authorities responsible for domestic meat inspection are notified of laboratory results and final carcase disposition (See Final Carcase Disposition 3.6 for details).

3.5.3 National Residue Survey(NRS)

a) NRS is responsible to report all cattle laboratory results to the relevant State/Territory Residue Coordinator and to AQIS central office.

3.6 Final Carcase Disposition

3.6.1 Each target animal is to be tested on a ‘test and hold’ basis and final disposition is made based on laboratory results e.g. If the laboratory result is:

a) Greater than the Australian MRL then the carcase is to be condemned and disposed of under AQIS supervision.
b) Greater than the MRL of the proposed importing country, but less than the Australian MRL, then the carcase may be released to the domestic market.
c) Less than the MRL of the proposed importing country and the Australian MRL, then the carcase may be released to the domestic market, for export or for further processing.

3.6.2 AQIS will notify the relevant State/Territory domestic meat inspection authority of the laboratory test outcome and the final carcase disposition.

4. The National Antibacterial Residue Minimisation (NARM) Program – Bobby Calves

The purpose of this program is manage the risk of antibacterial residues that exceed the Australian maximum residue limits (MRLs) in bobby calves slaughtered at export abattoirs. The NARM program sets out the required testing rates for Microbial Inhibition Testing (MIT) of bobby calf urine and provides for confirmatory testing of All MIT screen positives to support State department extension and prosecution activities.

4.1 Scope

This procedure applies to export registered establishments slaughtering bobby calves for export.

4.2 Definition

Bobby calf: A young bovine animal weighing no more than 80 kg live weight or 40 kg dressed weight.

4.3 Background

The presence of antibacterial residues in meat products has the potential to restrict market access of Australia’s produce. In response, AQIS introduced testing and monitoring programs for bobby calves. Testing of a percentage of slaughter throughput is required to address the concerns of sensitive markets like the United States of America.

SAFEMEAT has reviewed both the NARM and targeted antibacterial residue testing (TART) programs. The NARM program applies only to bobby calves. The TART program will continue to provide a testing capability to AQIS where they suspect cattle other than bobby calves may have been recently treated with antibacterials.

The NARM program monitors for 5 main classes of antibacterials:

• Sulphonamides
• Aminoglycosides
• Macrolides
• Tetracyclines
• Beta-lactams (penicillins).

In recognition of changes made in international and Australian tolerances and general improvements in the bobby calf MIT violation rates at Australian abattoirs, AQIS and industry have agreed to the adoption of set testing rates for bobby calves. This procedure should:

a) Minimise unnecessary testing of calves which are free from antibacterial residues
b) Encourage producers to only supply animals which have not been treated, or which have complied with appropriate treatment withholding periods
c) Encourage establishment managers to support producer feedback and favour livestock purchase contracts that extend the responsibility for control of residues to the farm of origin.

Establishment management and AQIS plant management teams should work co-operatively with local State/Territory animal health authorities and dairy producer groups to further reduce antibacterial residues in slaughter calves.

4.4 Sampling

4.4.1 Establishment Management

i) A valid national vendor declaration (NVD) should be obtained from all persons in the supply chain from farm to abattoir who have had custody of the animals, including those who aggregate animals from different farms prior to supply to the abattoir.

• Post sale summaries are acceptable provided they contain all relevant information and the original NVD remains available on the request of establishment management.
• Animals presented for slaughter without the required documentation must be withheld from slaughter until the consignor supplies the documentation.

ii) Each animal is to be tested on a ‘test and hold’ basis.

iii) Export establishments must test urine from bobby calves at the following rates:

Export establishments must test urine from bobby calves at the following rates:

Testing level	Declaration status	Calves to be tested
A	Bobby calves accompanied by a valid signed NVD AND identified by a National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) device to enable tracing to property of origin.	5%
B	Bobby calves not identified with an NLIS device to enable tracing to property of origin - State authorities need to be notified, as this is a breach of legislation.	100%

iv) A system must be implemented to ensure that the percentage of calves screen tested is consistent with the above table. Where practical, establishment management are encouraged to target individual properties and/or regions with a history of problems. The rate of screening for targeted testing is at the discretion of the establishment however the overall rate of testing must not be less than the general rates specified above.

v) The urine screen test must be conducted with the Microtech MIT A test kit or equivalent.

• For those establishments that slaughter bobby calves for export to Canada, testing must be with the Microtech MIT A and B test kits or equivalent.

vi) The carcase and offal of calves found to be MIT positive must be excluded from the export chain.

vii) All laboratories performing urine screening for antibacterial residues must:

a) Participate in and be found proficient by the ongoing National Residue Survey (NRS) proficiency-testing program for MIT testing;

b) Screen urine samples submitted for antibacterial residue testing using the method/s for which the laboratory has demonstrated its proficiency.

viii) The following table details the samples that must be collected for each component of the NARM bobby calf program.

Samples that must be collected for each component of the NARM bobby calf program

NARM program	Sample	Test Type	NRS Residue Testing Submission Form Test Type
Bobby calf screen	Urine 1	Test & hold 3	NARM Urine Screen
Bobby calf confirmatory (following urine positive)	Kidney2	Test & hold 3	NARM Tissue Confirmatory
Screen urine with MIT A for all markets and MIT A and MIT B for Canada Muscle tissue will be acceptable only where kidney tissue is unavailable Screened carcases may be transferred to an off-site boning room provided it is under AQIS supervision and suitable tracing and recall procedures are in place. Screened carcases may be boned under AQIS supervision with other AQIS retained meat products until the test results become available. No meat product from any other carcase may be placed in the same carton, irrespective if it is from another targeted animal awaiting test results.

ix) For NARM program samples: NRS sample forms and sampling consumables (bags, security satchels, boxes etc) are to be used. Refer to the NRS Sample Collection and Dispatch Manual

x) All tissue samples are to be sent to an NRS approved laboratory

xi) NRS will meet the laboratory analysis and freight costs for samples collected from calves identified with a NLIS device to enable tracing to property of origin.

• The contracted laboratory will invoice NRS when the analysis is completed.

xii) Testing costs for calves not identified with a NLIS device are to be met by the establishment.

• Confirmatory testing, from calves not identified with a NLIS device, is at the discretion of the establishment but would be required for a disposition decision to be made other than condemnation of the carcase and offal as “not fit for human consumption”. Such condemnation would also result in the product being ineligible for pet food.

4.4.2 On-Plant Supervisors (OPS)

i) Collect kidney tissue samples (muscle if kidney not available) from calves that test positive in the urine screen for confirmatory analysis.

ii) Samples should be collected, frozen, stored and dispatched by courier direct to an approved laboratory. Refer to NRS Sample Collection and Dispatch manual.

iii) Ensure that the carcase and offal of calves tested and found to be MIT positive are excluded from export unless a confirmatory result allows (see 4.7 Final Carcase Disposition). Where agreed by the relevant State authorities these carcases and offal may be diverted to the domestic market provided any conditions (e.g. confirmatory testing and compliance with MRL) are met. Such diversion must be undertaken in consultation with the Area Technical Manager (ATM).
vi) Monitor the adequacy of:

a) individual animal identification
b) establishment testing levels and segregation systems
c) establishment MIT screening procedures
d) establishment compliance with reporting requirements
e) performance in NRS MIT proficiency testing

v) Record results of such monitoring and report deficiencies to establishment management and ATM as appropriate.

vi) Monitor the validity of NVDs that accompany calves and/or that post-sale summaries comprise an accurate record of the relevant NVDs.

4.4.3 Area Technical Manager (ATM)

i) Verify establishments have the NARM program included in their approved arrangement and effectively implemented.

ii) Where necessary, for product deemed not fit for export but eligible for human consumption for the domestic market, liaise with relevant State authorities.

4.5 Preventive Action and / or Corrective Action

In any quality control program for residues, it is important that Corrective Actions be available to eliminate or manage the detection of positive screen tests, such as:

a) trace back of confirmatory tests above ? MRL in order to improve residue management of calves and resolve concerns over future animals sourced from the property involved.
b) targeting calves from properties with a history of MIT positives for screening.
c) modification of stock purchasing practices by the abattoir to avoid purchasing from suppliers of stock that repeatedly contain animals that test positive, inclusion of additional declarations in contracts, etc.

4.6 Reporting Requirements

4.6.1 Establishment Management

i) Report the number of MIT positive results to the AQIS OPS on a daily basis, along with carcase identification information to enable the collection of confirmatory tissue samples.
ii) Identify any producer who returns a confirmed positive result and communicate the positive result back to the producer.
iii) On a monthly basis and within five working days from the end of the month, provide the following information to NRS using the proforma provided by NRS:

a) Total number of MIT screens conducted in the preceding month.
b) Number of negative results.
c) Number of screen positive results.
d) NLIS device numbers and date of slaughter of all calves tested.

4.6.2 Laboratories

The table below indicates the NARM program reporting requirements for laboratories.

NARM program reporting requirements for laboratories

Antibacterial Residue Testing Program	Test Type	Authority Requiring Laboratory Results Report
Bobby calf screen	NARM Urine Screen	NRS QA Manager of submitting abattoir OPS of submitting abattoir>
Bobby calf confirmatory (following urine positive)	NARM Tissue Confirmatory	NRS State/Territory Residue Coordinator QA Manager of submitting abattoir OPS of submitting abattoir

4.6.3 AQIS OPS

i) Notify NRS by email of each MIT positive result within 24 hours. Provide the following information about each animal testing positive using the proforma provided by NRS:

a) Date of slaughter.
b) NLIS number.
c) NRS sample number allocated to tissue sample for confirmatory analysis
d) Zone size (mm), and
e) Type of plate used.

ii) Provide copy of the NVD to NRS, preferably a scanned copy sent by email.

• In the event the NVD cannot be provided electronically fax copy to NRS.

iii) Notify abattoir management, upon receipt of confirmatory testing results of the final disposition of the carcase and associated offal based on the laboratory test result.

iv) For targeted animal carcase that are to be released to the domestic market;
Consult with the ATM to ensure the relevant State/Territory authorities responsible for domestic meat inspection are notified of laboratory results and final carcase disposition (See Final Carcase Disposition 4.7 for details).

4.6.4 National Residue Survey

i) Report all NARM program laboratory results to the relevant State/Territory Residue Coordinator and to AQIS Central Office.

4.7 Final Carcase Disposition

4.7.1 The screen positive animal carcase is to be processed or condemned based on the results of the confirmatory laboratory analysis

Establishment management may choose to condemn carcases on the basis of screen positives prior to confirmatory results becoming available (if samples have been submitted for confirmatory analysis) or where calves are inadequately identified and where effective trace back is not possible.

• AQIS OPS must verify the disposal of all condemned carcases and associated offal.

4.7.2 If the laboratory result is:

a) Greater than the Australian MRL, the carcase is to be condemned and disposed of under AQIS supervision.
b) Greater than the MRL of the proposed importing country but less than the Australian MRL, the carcase and associated offal may be released to the domestic market. AQIS will notify the relevant State/Territory domestic meat inspection authority of the laboratory test outcome and the final disposition.
c) Less than both the Australian MRL and the MRL of the proposed importing country, the carcase may be released for export.

Further Information

1. Australian National Residue Survey - NRS Sample Collection and Dispatch Manual-Meat Program

5. Sheep Targeted Antibacterial Residue Testing (START) Program-Antibacterial Confirmatory Testing for Suspect Sheep and Lambs

The purpose of this program is to manage the risk of antibacterial residues that exceed the relevant standards in sheep and lambs slaughtered at export abattoirs.

5.1 Scope

This procedure applies to export registered establishments slaughtering sheep and lambs for export.

5.2 Background

The presence of antibacterial residues in meat products has the potential to restrict market access of Australia’s produce. The Sheep Targeted Antibacterial Residue Testing (START) program provides an antibacterial confirmatory testing capability to AQIS OPVO/OPS when sheep or lambs are suspected to have been treated recently with antibacterial medications. The START program covers all sheep and lambs suspected of receiving recent antibacterial treatment.

To address the concerns of export markets including the US, EU and Japan, AQIS OPVO/OPS are encouraged to use the laboratory confirmatory capability provided by the START program to have samples tested when antibacterial residues are suspected. NRS funding is not available for the targeted antimicrobial testing in species other than sheep (START program) and cattle (NARM and TART program).

5.3 Responsibilities and Reporting Requirements

5.3.1 Establishment Management

a) Bring to the attention of AQIS OPVO/OPS of any sheep and lambs identified by the National Vendor Declaration (NVD) as receiving recent antibacterial treatment – including all sheep and lambs for which the vendor has answered “Yes” to Q4 of the NVD (Sheep and Lambs) in respect of such treatment.
b) Exclude from export the carcase and offal of sheep and lambs tested and found to contain residues above the relevant importing country standard.
c) In consultation with the OPVO condemn the carcase/s and offal of sheep/lambs tested and found to contain residues above the standards set in the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code.

5.3.2 AQIS OPVO/OPS are to;

i) Identify animals suspected of having received recent antibacterial treatment, collect and Dispatch tissue samples.
ii) Provide copies of laboratory results to establishment management.
iii) Retain the carcase and offal of tested animals until confirmatory analysis results are received.
iv) Sample any sheep and lambs identified by the NVD as receiving recent antibacterial treatment.
v) Notify abattoir management of the final disposition of the carcase and offal based on the laboratory test result.
vi) Notify the ATM of any results where the targeted animal carcase is eligible to be released to the domestic market. (See Final Carcase Disposition for details.)

Targeted animals may include:

Sheep and lambs	sheep and /or lambs exhibiting signs of:
identified by the NVD as recently treated with antibacterials suspected of being recently treated with antibacterials with blue dye in the udder known or suspected to have been in the hospital section of a feedlot	Endocarditis Injection sites Injury or inflammatory conditions Mastitis Metritis Pericarditis Peritonitis Pleuritis Pneumonia Septicaemia, pyemia or generalised disease.

5.3.3 ATM

i) Verify establishments have the START program included in their approved arrangement and effectively implemented.
ii) Where necessary, for product deemed not fit for export but eligible for human consumption for the domestic market, liaise with relevant State authorities.

5.3.4 Laboratories

i) Laboratories are required to report results according to contractual arrangements to:

• AQIS On-Plant Veterinarian
• NRS

5.3.5 NRS

i) NRS is to report all laboratory results to the relevant State/Territory Residue Coordinator and to AQIS Export Meat Program Central Office.

5.4 Sampling

5.4.1 The following table details the samples that must be collected for the Start program

Start program	Sample	Test Type	NRS Residue Testing Submission Form Test Type	Consignment notes 3
Sheep and lambs suspected of receiving recent antibacterial drug treatment	Kidney 1	Test & hold 2	Start	Start
Muscle tissue is suitable for testing if kidney is not available, but do not sample injection site granuloma. Targeted sheep and lambs can be held as a carcase or boned under AQIS supervision with all meat products being AQIS retained until the test results become available. No meat product from any other carcase may be placed in the same carton, irrespective if it is from another targeted animal awaiting test results. Use relevant program consignment notes

5.4.2 Use NRS sampling consumables (bags, security satchels, boxes etc) with the specially provided NRS sample forms for the START program.

5.4.3 Samples should be collected and stored according to the NRS Sample Collection and Dispatch Manual with frozen samples being dispatched to the laboratory as soon as practicable.

5.5 Final Carcase Disposition

5.5.1 Each animal is to be tested on a ‘test and hold’ basis.

The targeted carcase is to be processed or condemned based on the laboratory results. AQIS on-plant staff will supervise the disposal of all condemned carcases.

5.5.2 Condemn:

If the laboratory result is greater than the Australian MRL then the carcase is to be condemned and disposed of under AQIS supervision.

5.5.3 Release to Domestic Markets Only:

If the laboratory result is greater than the MRL of the proposed importing country but less than the Australian MRL, then;

a) the carcase may be released to the domestic market.
b) AQIS is to notify the relevant State/Territory domestic meat inspection authority of the laboratory test outcome and the final carcase disposition.

5.5.4 Release Without Restrictions:

If the laboratory result is less than the MRL of the proposed importing country and less than the Australian MRL, then the carcase may be released to the domestic market, the proposed export market or for further processing.

6. On-going Endosulfan risk management program based on the National Vendor Declaration

The purpose of this program is to remind abattoir management and AQIS staff of their obligations in the ongoing management of residue risks in beef from endosulfan.

6.1 Scope

This procedure applies to all establishments slaughtering cattle for export.

6.2 Background

Endosulfan has wide uses in the cotton, horticulture and other cropping industries. Whilst usage on cotton is seasonal, it can be used throughout the year on many other crops. It has the potential to contaminate cattle when they graze pasture or crops previously sprayed with endosulfan, or they are fed contaminated feedstuffs. Endosulfan residues can threaten access for Australian meat to key overseas markets. It is therefore important to monitor the potential exposure of cattle to endosulfan throughout the year. The Endosulfan Management program relied on responses to Questions 3, 6 and in particular Question 7 of the National Vendor Declaration for Cattle (NVD) to identify cattle exposed to endosulfan residue risks.

This procedure directed abattoir management to test cattle for endosulfan if the answer to question seven on the NVD editions before 2009 or question eight on the March 2009 (C0309) edition of the cattle NVD, that relates to the risks of chemical residues in animal feeds, was “yes” or “don’t know” or where there was no response to that question. This was identified as an ongoing requirement until further notice.

The Endosulfan Technical Working Group (ETWG) assesses the expected risks of endosulfan residues to the beef industry from the use of endosulfan by various agricultural industries.
The ETWG monitors residue risks related to endosulfan use through the summer months. Background testing may be initiated if considered necessary.

6.3 Responsibilities

6.3.1 Establishment Management

i) Collect and dispatch samples from sentinel animals for endosulfan testing where the answer to Q8 of the NVD and Waybill (Q8 of the EUVD and Waybill), or any other edition is “yes”, “don’t know” or where there is no response to that question according to the following testing rates:

10 cattle or less in the lot	Sample 1 animal
11 – 20 cattle in lot	Sample 2 animals
> 20 cattle in lot	Sample 3 animals

ii) Testing is to be on a Test and Hold basis.

• It is recommended that the balance of the lot be withheld from slaughter until the test results of the sentinel(s) are known. If slaughtered, all carcases must be held until the sentinel(s) test results are known.

iii) Establishment management should also consider vendor’s responses to Questions 3 and 6 on the NVD (3 and 6 on the EUVD) to assess residue risks in consigned cattle fed conventional and by-product feeds that may contain residues of various chemicals, including endosulfan.

iv) The AQIS OPS should be advised of sample collection, dispatch and animal identification details.

v) Testing is not paid for by the NRS and is to be funded under commercial arrangements.

6.3.2 AQIS OPS:

i) Monitor the performance of the establishment in fulfilling the testing requirements of the Endosulfan Management Program.
ii) Notify abattoir management of the final disposition of the carcase based on the laboratory test result.
iii) In consultation with your ATM notify the relevant State/Territory authorities responsible for domestic meat inspection of laboratory results and final carcase disposition where animal carcase is released to the domestic market.

6.4 Final Carcase Disposition

6.4.1 If the laboratory result is greater than the Australian MRL then the carcase is to be condemned and disposed of under AQIS supervision.

• Establishment management should negotiate the fate of the balance of the lot with the vendor.

6.4.2 If the laboratory result is greater than the MRL of the proposed importing country but less than the Australian MRL, then the carcase and associated offal may be released to the domestic market.
AQIS will notify the relevant State/Territory domestic meat inspection authority of the laboratory test outcome and the final disposition.

• Establishment management should negotiate the fate of the balance of the lot with the vendor.

6.4.3 If the laboratory result is less than the importing country’s MRL and less than the Australian MRL (i.e. < 0.2 mg/kg) then the carcase is eligible for export.

• The balance of the lot may be released for export or domestic markets production.

7. Attachment 1

Essential criteria for Sample Collection and Documentation

The NRS Sample Collection and Dispatch Manual is to be read in conjunction with this document and referenced for sample procedures for all Target programs.

Important notes:

1. Sample Integrity:

For accuracy and integrity of sample testing analysis sample;

a) Samples must be appropriate for the test specified on the NRS Sample Form
b) The integrity of sample must be maintained though collection dispatch and delivery to laboratory
c) Cross contamination must be avoided,
d) Sample identification, OC risk code and Sample Form details must be clear, indelible and accurate.
e) During collection and processing, contamination or other changes in the samples (e.g.thawing) must be prevented.

2. Packaging and dispatch

a) The smallest container possible must be used to minimise freight costs.
b) Samples must be dispatched as per the NRS Sample Collection and Dispatch Manual
c) Samples must not be sent interstate by road transport

3. Documentation

a) Writing on Sample Forms and any supporting document must be clear, accurate, legible and indelible

4. Definitions

Definitions

Term	Definition
A	indicates a companion test- these tests paid by animal owner)
M	M to indicate an Abattoir Management or Industry test
R	indicate a re-test - tests paid by animal owner
S	this indicates a sentinel animal test and except for TV costs are paid by NRS

8. Attachment 2

OC Codes to be entered on the NRS Laboratory Submission Form

There are 2 components to the code and it is essential to mark both on the laboratory submission form:

1. the OC Risk Category (ERP Status) and
2. the reason why the animal is to be tested, e.g. T2/S or T2/A or T1/M

OC Codes

	ERP Status	Property Risk Status	Testing rate	Product Fateˆ	Payment Testing
OC Rick Category	T4	Very High	100% of lots, <10 in lot, 1 targeted sentinel; 10 – 20, 2 targeted sentinels; >20, 3 targeted sentinels	Test sentinel(s) and hold all If a test result >50% MRL test all companions	Commercial arrangements apply¥
	T3F	High	100% of lots, 1 targeted sentinel	Test sentinel and hold all If a test result >50% MRL test all companions	Industry funding§
	T3V	High	100% of lots, 1 targeted sentinel	Test sentinel and hold all If a test result >50% MRL test all companions	Commercial arrangements apply¥
	T1F and T2F	Reduced	100% of lots, 1 targeted sentinel	Test and hold sentinel If a test result >50% MRL test all companions	Industry funding§
	T1V and T2V	Reduced	100% of lots, 1 targeted sentinel	Test and hold sentinel If a test result >50% MRL test all companions	Commercial arrangements apply¥
Reason for testing	S	Sentinel			See above
	R	Retest			Commercial arrangements apply¥
	A	Companion Test			Commercial Arrangements apply¥
	M	Management test			Abattoir Management responsibility¥

^ˆWhile test and hold is recommended for export abattoirs, domestic abattoirs may decide to operate on a test and release basis for OC Risk categories other than T4 which must be test and hold. Where a test and hold arrangement applies, it is recommended that results be known prior to slaughter of the balance of the lot.

^¥ Any testing undertaken is a commercial matter between the abattoir and the vendor.

^§ Industry funding is available for tests of sentinel animals for T1F, T2F, and T3F risk categories for 12 months from the time of initial risk discovery. Following this period these statuses will change to T1V, T2V and T3V and payment for testing will be a commercial matter between the abattoir and the vendor.