The AQIS-developed Meat Hygiene Assessment (MHA) system is mandatory for federally inspected establishments and comprises two parts: one system for process monitoring and the other for product monitoring.

Product monitoring assesses the level of macroscopic contamination of carcases, offal and cartoned meat, and must incorporate zero-tolerance for faeces, ingesta and milk. Process monitoring assesses the operations on the slaughter floor, in the offal room and in boning rooms. Product and process monitoring through MHA assists industry identify non-compliance and company staff who may require further training. In response to these findings corrective and preventive measures can be implemented.

These measures are designed to complement the rigorous inspection and residue testing systems that have been in place in Australia for many years, underpinning the high standard of Australian red meat products.