Slaughtering animals for human consumption in the Northern Territory

The slaughter of animals for human consumption is common practice in the Northern Territory (NT) on large cattle stations to feed employees and on small blocks in rural areas. The Meat Industries Act 1996 governs the slaughter of animals for consumption by the wider community.

The Act aims to:

• protect public health
• promote domestic and export markets for the meat industry
• ensure processing of wholesome meat for human consumption and related purposes.

The rules work to ensure that meat sold for human consumption is prepared, stored and distributed hygienically.

Important points for consumers or home butcher operations

• It is not an offence to slaughter an animal on your property for consumption by your family and staff, provided it is consumed on the property on which it is slaughtered.
• If you are the owner of a Bed and Breakfast operation, it is not an offence to supply home-butchered meat to paying guests. However, consumers must be informed that the meat has not been subject to commercial meat inspection.
• It is an offence to sell home-slaughtered meat through a roadhouse or community store. All meat used in these operations must be acquired from a licenced processor.
• Cattle stations may provide live animals to Aboriginal communities for slaughter and consumption by community members, as has been common practice for some time. This is legal under the Act when the meat is consumed on the same property on which it is slaughtered.
• It is an offence to sell or barter this meat to another person. A further offence occurs if the meat is moved off the property/station.
• For meat sold to the general community, there is a requirement for processing in a registered establishment that holds a Northern Territory Licence. A qualified inspector, who holds a minimum Certificate lll in Meat Safety, inspects meat in commercial abattoirs. The department’s Meat Industries Manager provides advice on how individual properties may achieve these standards and provides training through a Registered Training Organisation for persons wishing to undertake meat inspection training.

More information

Further information and advice on slaughtering animals for meat for human consumption may be obtained by contacting the Senior Meat Industry Officer on 08 8999 2255.