Trimming and evisceration

AQIS has prescribed a zero tolerance for the carcase contaminants ingesta, faeces, milk and urine. Trimming is an acceptable action to remove contaminants, excess fat and tidy the carcase.

Careful evisceration of a carcase ensures internal organs can be removed intact, thereby reducing contamination and protecting the valuable offal co-product.

The spinal cord in a carcase is a specified risk material (SRM) and may contain large amounts of prions in infected animals. The carcase must be split down the centre of the spine so that the split doesn't damage the spinal cord or any of the primal cuts.

MLA's research and development during the trimming and evisceration phases includes the following areas:

• Head removal
• Brisket sawing
• Organ removal
• Tail removal
• Kidney fat removal
• Splitting

MLA also investigates procedures to improve or assure the occupational health and safety of staff involved in the trimming and evisceration of carcases.