PrimeSafe (Victoria), Food Safety Glossary

The Victorian statutory authority that regulates the meat and poultry industries in Victoria through licensing and standards. PrimeSafe is the independent statutory authority responsible for regulating the meat and poultry industries in Victoria. It operates under Victorian legislation to license and oversee businesses that slaughter, process, pack, store or transport meat and poultry, ensuring they meet safety and hygiene standards. PrimeSafe's remit covers abattoirs, poultry processing plants, boning rooms, smallgoods manufacturers, wholesalers and retail butchers, as well as pet meat processors. It focuses on the through-chain safety of meat products rather than general retail food, which sits with local councils. Businesses in its scope must hold a PrimeSafe licence and comply with the relevant Australian Standards for meat and poultry. In practice, a Victorian butcher shop, abattoir or smallgoods maker applies to PrimeSafe for the appropriate licence, implements an approved food safety program, and is audited to confirm compliance. Licensing is separate from any council registration a retail premises may also need for the wider shopfront. PrimeSafe licences are renewed periodically and can be suspended or cancelled where standards are not met. Operators keep their food safety program current, use approved auditors, and follow PrimeSafe's standards and notices covering matters such as construction, hygiene and product traceability across the meat supply chain. A family butcher in Geelong holds a PrimeSafe retail meat licence, maintains an audited food safety program, and follows PrimeSafe standards for handling and storing the meat it breaks down and sells.