Karoo lamb
Introducing a Certification Scheme that Guarantees the Origin of true free Range Karoo lamb
Apply to become an authorised user of the mark
CERTIFIED KAROO MEAT OF ORIGIN
Producers, abattoirs, butchers, meat processors and outlets interested in becoming members of the certifi cation scheme may contact:
Albertus Steenkamp (arste@cybertrade.co.za)
Pienaar Viviers (082 457 7346)
Abe Louw (082 658 9701)
Johann Kristen (johann.kristen@up.ac.za)
Albertus Erasmus (ae@eproc.co.za)
The Karoo region evokes images of, windmills, sheep farms, endless vistas, hospitality and wholesome food. The region’s economy draws on the reputational value of the term “Karoo”, which derives from the remote and pristine environment with its clean water and air.
Now for the first time the Certified Karoo Meat of Origin mark guarantees the origin and quality of the Karoo meat.
The Certification Mark
- The mark is owned by the Karoo Development foundation
- The mark certifies the origin of mutton and lamb and that the specification in the rules if use if the mark have been complied with.
Who can use the mark?
- Only registered and certified farmers, abattoirs, meat processors, butchers, retailers and restaurateurs who are in compliance with the rules of the certification scheme will be allowed to use the mark.
- Authorised users will be allowed to affix the mark to carcasses, freshly packed meat and derivative products and may use the mark on associated packaging, labeling and advertising material.
- Inspections and audits will be undertaken regularly by a qualified independent organization appointed by the Karoo Development Foundation.
Specifications for certified Karoo meat of origin
The certification mark guarantees that:
- Mutton or lamb originates from the Karoo in that the sheep were born in the Karoo or raised in the Karoo region for at least six continuous months before slaughtering.
- Sheep grazed freely on natural veldt and were not raised in feedlots.
- The animals did not graze on permanent pastures six months before slaughtering.
- No growth hormones were used.
- Carcass classification
- Age classes A, AB, B & C
- Fat classes 1 to 6
- Carcass conformation 3 to 5
- The Code of Practice of Good Stockmanship and Animal Welfare Practices have been adhered to.
- Meat can be traced back to the farm of origin.
- Slaughtering and processing facilities comply with official food safety standards including HACCP.
The Karoo Development Foundation is an inter vivos trust (nr IT1498/2009) established in terms of Section 6 (1) of the Trust Property Control Act (Act 57 of 1988). The trustees have a common vision and concern about the future of the Karoo and its development potential. The Foundation is investing in the reputational assists of the Karoo such as its natural beauty, crafts, sheep meat and tourism.
Contact: Doreen Atkinson
Co-ordinator : Karoo Development Foundation
Tel: (051) 773 0324 or 083 274 5461
