Electrical stimulation equipment to tenderise lamb

17/11/00
Consumers can expect a significant increase in high quality lamb on the market following today's launch of electrical stimulation equipment at Hillside Meats by Primary Industry Minister Monty House.
Hillside Meats is a member of the Western Australian Q Lamb Alliance, developed by 150 producers and processors throughout the State, the Action supermarket retail chain and retailers in New South Wales to produce and market premium lamb products all year round.
Mr House said the Coalition Government, through the Progress Rural WA Value Adding Capital initiative, had invested $54,000 in the project.
"The WA Q Lamb Alliance is committed to ensuring quality and tenderness at every stage of meat production 'from the paddock to the plate'," he said.
"To further increase consumer satisfaction, the Alliance is constantly reviewing methods of improving lamb quality, and electrical stimulation was one method that was studied.
"Scientific research shows that the use of electrical stimulation eliminates the need for slow chilling of carcasses, which ensures the quality of the meat is of the highest standard in tenderness and taste.
"It also ensures the highest food safety standards can be guaranteed, which is of high importance to consumers."
Mr House said electrical stimulation was currently being used by the New Zealand meat industry, and regularly in the beef industry.
"Hillside will be the second plant in Australia to have a functioning electrical stimulation unit on their sheep chain, with Fletchers at Narrikup in the South-West being the first," he said.
"However, Hillside will be the first processor using electrical stimulation specifically for the domestic market."
Mr House said that, through the project, the Alliance had demonstrated its commitment to the development of an integrated lamb production and marketing system.
"By improving its processing procedure, the Alliance will be able to secure and expand its activities as both a domestic and international exporter," he said.
"I am pleased that this Government has been able to further develop the State's prime lamb industry to encourage progress and innovation."
Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044