The current National Vendor Declaration reflects the information requirements of buyers and regulatory authorities.

Western Australian livestock producers are being reminded to check buyers’ and processors’ National Vendor Declaration (NVD) requirements before loading stock.

Department Animal Product Integrity manager Peter Gray said the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) NVD was an industry-driven initiative which assured Australia’s domestic and export markets of the safety of Australian beef, lamb and goat meat.

“NVDs are regularly updated to reflect changes in the information requirements of local and international buyers of livestock and regulatory authorities,” Dr Gray said.

“Like other quality assurance programs, the most up-to-date NVDs should be used as older versions may not contain sufficient information to meet export market requirements.

“Market demands are driving the decision by livestock buyers to only accept the most recent versions of NVDs.

“Producers should contact their livestock buyer or meat processor to check which version of the NVD form they are accepting before loading livestock onto the truck.”

Dr Gray said the department supported industry’s move to only accept the most current NVD forms as WA’s reputation as a provider of safe, residue-free meat and meat products relied on its ability to provide the most up-to-date and correct information on our livestock.

“Producers are also reminded that Western Australian regulations also require the property identification code (PIC) of destination to be included on the NVD,” Dr Gray said.

To obtain the most current version of the NVD form, contact LPA on 1800 683 111 or go to their website at http://lpa.ausmeat.com.au/. NVDs are now also available in an electronic version (eDEC) from the LPA website.

Source: WA Department of Agriculture and Food.