Authentication & Classification Services

As the sole independent provider of abattoir authentication/classification services in the British processing industry, MLC stands unique. Our services are crucial for the deadweight sale of cattle, sheep, and pigs, ensuring fairness and accuracy in the market.

The Value of Independence

MLC offers an unparalleled authentication and classification service, ensuring impartial and unbiased assessments for both vendors and buyers in the British processing industry.

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Publications & Resources 

MLC offers detailed booklets and resources that outline the specifics of our classification services. These publications provide in-depth information on the EU schemes for cattle, pigs, and the MLC scheme for sheep, offering valuable insights into our methodologies and standards. These resources are designed to educate and inform both vendors and buyers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of our classification process and its importance in the meat industry.

Abattoir Directory 

MLC's directory service is a comprehensive resource for locating abattoirs and meat processors with independent classification across the UK. We provide detailed information on the types of animals processed at each facility, along with contact details for divisional managers and the businesses. This service is offered to ensure unbiased classification in compliance with EU regulations for cattle and pig classification, and a similar service for sheep based on MLC's developed standards. Our directory is an essential tool for both vendors and buyers, ensuring transparency and ease of access.

Carcase Value Assessment

At MLC, we understand that the value of cattle, sheep, and pigs sold deadweight hinges on key carcase characteristics crucial to buyers. These include breed, sex, age, weight, fatness level, and conformation. Our assessment process accurately and independently determines these factors, providing a clear indication of meat yield and muscle shape - vital determinants of carcase quality. This forms the foundation of our classification schemes for beef, sheep, and pigs, and is widely used as the basis for vendor payments. The MLC approach ensures fair and unbiased valuation, aligning with industry standards and buyer expectations.

Core Role &

Comprehensive Services

MLC's core role extends beyond mere classification. Our highly trained staff engage in a range of crucial activities within the plants:

✓ Ensuring accurate adjustment of weighing equipment

✓ Correct carcase identification for accurate characteristic measurement

✓ Authentication of carcase weight

✓ Verification of dressing specifications

✓ Compliance with EU schemes for cattle and pigs, and MLC's scheme for sheep

✓ Prompt reporting of any issues to relevant authorities

✓ Labelling each carcase with detailed characteristics

✓ Providing verified documentation for suppliers.

These multifaceted independent services main a balance of fairness and transparency in the industry.

Meat Yield & Classification

Understanding meat yield is crucial in our classification process. For pigs, the uniformity in back fat depth allows for accurate yield prediction using probes, considering factors like weight, sex, and age. For cattle and sheep, where back fat depth varies significantly, MLC employs the EU-approved visual assessment system. This method evaluates carcase shape, conformation, and fatness based on the EUROP grid, alongside weight, sex, and age, to provide reliable indicators of meat yield.

Other Services

Training

Technology & Innovation

Equipment

Get in Touch for Authentication and Classification Services

Our team is ready to assist with your classification needs.