PR - HOW CAN THE SOUTH AFRICAN BEEF CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM BE ADAPTED TO MEET MODERN CONSUMERS’ DEMANDS

Abstract

Beef consumption in South Africa increased by 1.6% from 2016 to 2017 and it is expected that the total beef consumption will expand by 19% over the next decade. Most South African consumers focus on affordability followed by health and appearance when buying meat and don’t necessarily look at the meat classification. Research has shown that the South African beef classification system is used as a grading system due to the preference of classes, which defeats the original purpose of the system. The aim of this study is to compare the current red meat classification system used in South Africa to classification and grading systems used in other countries to provide alternatives when amending the shortcomings of the current classification system. Using international classification/grading systems can provide guidance on how to amend the current South African classification system. This study provides an adapted beef grading system adapted according to the Meat Standard Australia system that can be used in South Africa. In the suggested system beef will be graded according to pH measurements and days aged. This study can be used by decision makers when to assist in adapting the current beef classification system.

Keywords: beef, grading, standard, red meat