Our rigorous quality and food safety management system is based on the Integrated Management System Policy applicable to all of our plants in the countries in which we operate and is aimed at bringing safe, quality food to our consumers.
All of the South American units and Colac and Sunshine units in Autralia are certified by an independent organization in accordance with internationally recognized standards for food safety management systems and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
Integrated Management System Policy
To ensure that all the guidelines, policies, procedures and specifications of customers and consumers are followed, in all our production units we have teams specialized in Quality and Food Safety performing continuous monitoring.
Our quality and food safety management practices and tools include:
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
Standard Operating Hygiene Procedure (SOHP)
Sanitary Operating Procedure (SOP)
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Sampling Plan
Traceability Program
Animal Welfare (AW)
Among the tools used in daily monitoring is a matrix of quality indicators, used to identify potential issues to be corrected in the process, as well as best practices and opportunities for continuous improvement to be applied in all our industrial units. This data is the basis for establishing targets, which are reviewed annually, or as needed, promoting the continuous improvement of the standards of operation, manufacturing and product supply in all its businesses.
In addition to internal risk analysis procedures, there are daily monitoring and verifications, external audits for quality and product safety carried out by the Departamento de Produtos de Origem Animal – DIPOA from the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) and equivalent responsible bodies in Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay, in addition to customer audits.
We have our own laboratories, accredited and/or recognized by ISO 17.025, located in strategic regions of our operations. In addition, we use third-party laboratories with the same level of reliability. These laboratories preform microbiological and physical-chemical analyses to ensure non-contamination by pathogens and the safety of the processed products, in addition to verifying the composition of the food with respect to proteins, fats and humidity.
We have traceability systems for our products, from their origin to the customer, and all our products and services undergo a labeling process that contains mandatory information about outsourcing of components, contents and substances, conservation information and allergen-free information.
Our Estancia 92 and Minerva Angus labels also feature a QR Code that contains information about the product’s sustainable origin, animal welfare and quality practices, in addition to the environmental efficiency in production, the Eu Reciclo, and Renewable Energy labels.
All units follow Good Manufacturing Practices and labeling procedures that allow products to be identified in the event of recalls. We have not had to carry out any recall procedures over the last year, nor have we registered any export bans due to issues involving food safety.
Our Customer Service channel is available at all times in order to clarify any doubts and receive complaints, suggestions and compliments. Our objective this channel is to be able to provide a positive experience to our customers, evident by the fact that we have been awarded the RA1000 Seal on Reclame Aqui.
Companies awarded this seal, according to the site itself, have demonstrated to their consumers the commitment they have with their post-sales, thereby raising the degree of confidence in their brand, services, and products.
We have obtained global certifications that are specific for organic meat production in the Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO) and Paranatinga (MT) units in Brazil, in all units in Paraguay and Uruguay, and in Rosario unit, Argentina. Upon being accredited, these units undergo rigorous traceability controls that follow European Community Regulations 834/2007 and 889/2008 and the National Organic Program (NOP) of the United States.
All animals are guaranteed zero use of antibiotics, growth hormones and animal-based feed, in addition to high animal welfare standards. In 2022, 29.64% of animals purchased in Uruguay were certified under this protocol. In Brazil and Paraguay, they were 4.36% and 13.55%, respectively.
Concern for animal welfare is one of the central points in Minerva Foods’ operations. We recognize animals as sentient beings and do not tolerate abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Furthermore, we adhere to the five domains of animal welfare recommended by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC).
Sufficient food and water
Comfortable and pleasant installations
Ensuring health, fitness and freedom from injury
Expression of natural behaviors of the species
Free of stress and negative feelings
Our concern begins at the point of cattle acquisition and extends to rigorous evaluations of handling and the application of best practices in industry practices and control of suppliers.
In addition to following the laws in force set forth by the countries in which we operate, our operations are based on internationally recognized codes and protocols. We are guided by Regulation 1099, of the European Union; the Protocol of the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), of the United States; and the Traceability Regulations of the European Union and Chile.
Minerva Foods’ Global Animal Welfare Policy expresses our commitment to ensuring that animals (cattle, pigs, broiler chickens, fish, dairy cows, and laying hens) within the supply chain are treated with care, dignity, and respect. We also have the Animal Welfare Program in place, which establishes a series of procedures and controls at farms, during transportation to the industry, and in pre-slaughter and slaughter processes.
All units in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, and the Rosario unit in Argentina have been certified by auditors from PAACO (Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization) using the NAMI (North American Meat Institute) Protocol with international recognition. In 2022, the average compliance rate for audited requirements in the certified units was 99.9%. The Colac and Sunshine units in Australia, on the other hand, are certified under the AAWCS protocol (Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System) with a 100% compliance rate.
Regarding the value chain, some of our suppliers in Uruguay have the GAP (Global Animal Partnership) Step 4 certification, one of the largest North American animal welfare programs. Over 14,000 animals originated from certified farms in Uruguay in 2022.
We have recorded significant progress in our evaluation of indices and ratings on the subject. We have advanced two tiers in the ranking of BBFAW (Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare), which is the main international assessment of animal welfare (currently, we are in tier 3), and we have moved from “high risk” to “medium risk” in the “Animal Welfare” block of the Coller FAIRR market instrument (currently, we hold the 19th position).
For more agile and accurate decision-making, the Company relies on the effective performance of the Animal Welfare Committee. This group brings together leaders from areas such as sourcing, logistics, sustainability, quality, animal welfare, and communication.
Get to know Our Guidelines:
Animal Welfare Policy
Download in PDF
Antibiotics Use Policy
Download in PDF
Antibiotics Use Updates
Download in PDF
Animal Welfare Program
Download in PDF
Animal Welfare Report
Download in PDF
Public Animal Welfare Commitments
Download in PDF
Our activities in the value chain predominantly involve the slaughter and processing of cattle. Additionally, the Company produces a range of products made from fresh, cooked, roasted, and grilled meats of poultry, pork, and cattle in its three processing units, while also using dairy products and eggs in these processes. We also distribute other proteins such as lamb and fish.
All operations and business structures are based on responsible governance practices in animal welfare and strictly adhere to the guidelines of the policy and program.
| Slaughter | Processing | Ingredients | Distribution and retail | Total % of supply chain | Volume in tons | Countries | |
|
|
| – |
| 91% | 1,035,603 | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, Uruguay |
|
| – | – |
| 6,98% | 79,814 | Australia, Uruguay |
| – |
| – |
| 1% | 9,878 | Brazil, Argentina |
| – |
| – |
| 0.58% | 6,668 | Brazil, Argentina |
| – | – | – |
| 0.60% | 6,913 | Brazil |
| – | – |
| – | 0,0002% | 2,1 | Brazil, Argentina |
| – | – |
| – | 0.0034% | 39,2 | Brazil, Argentina |
| – | – | – |
| 0.32% | 4 | Brazil, Argentina |
| Slaughter |
|
| Processing |
|
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution and retail |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 91% |
| Volume in tons | 1,035,603 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, Uruguay |
| Slaughter |
|
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution and retail |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 6,98% |
| Volume in tons | 79,814 |
| Countries | Australia, Uruguay |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing |
|
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution and retail |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 1% |
| Volume in tons | 9,878 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing |
|
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution and retail |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 0.58% |
| Volume in tons | 6,668 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution and retail |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 0.60% |
| Volume in tons | 6,913 |
| Countries | Brazil |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients |
|
| Distribution and retail | – |
| Total % of supply chain | 0,0002% |
| Volume in tons | 2,1 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients |
|
| Distribution and retail | – |
| Total % of supply chain | 0.0034% |
| Volume in tons | 39,2 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution and retail |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 0.32% |
| Volume in tons | 4 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina |
We are committed to carrying out humane slaughter and stunning of all animals, regardless of their species (cattle, broiler chickens, pigs, sheep, fish, laying hens, and dairy cows), except for those intended for specific religious markets.
Batches of animals received at Minerva Foods’ facilities are accompanied by a Producer’s Declaration and a Letter of Guarantee confirming the non-use of hormones and antibiotics as growth promoters. All batches must be accompanied by documentation with information about the animals to be slaughtered, including medication administration and the absence of the application of certain antiparasitic agents.
Any use of antibiotics must be recorded and reported to Minerva Foods, and it is only permitted for clinical use in response to an animal’s health condition. Prophylactic and metaphylactic use is not recommended. Furthermore, the control of chemical residues and contaminants within the industry is conducted through post-slaughter sample collections, which are sent for laboratory testing to meet the requirements of various markets and ensure a safe product.
To engage our supply chain and ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Policy, Minerva Foods has implemented the Business Partner Code of Conduct, linking the Declaration of Compliance with Socio-environmental Criteria, Compliance, and Animal Welfare to the contractual process.
Verification of adherence to the guidelines and publicly committed commitments has been carried out annually through questionnaires and technical visits.
To assist cattle suppliers in the implementation of animal welfare, quality, and sustainability procedures, we have developed a series of interactive initiatives within the scope of the Laço de Confiança program. Among these actions are the events “Falando de Pecuária” which, during periodic meetings, address technical issues of livestock production, animal welfare assurance in all stages of the chain and topics regarding sustainability, such as deforestation, waste treatment and consumption of natural resources.
Furthermore, we periodically develop support materials for cattle suppliers in order to disclose the best animal welfare practices throughout the chain, such as the Animal Welfare Booklet.
For suppliers of other raw materials of animal origin, we include animal welfare as a key requirement in commercial contracts, which may be terminated in cases of non-compliance with our policy.
Get to know the Animal Welfare Booklet
Training of our teams has been essential for the preservation of animal welfare, as one of Minerva’s key initiatives. Our training processes are directed at all professionals, direct and third parties, that work with live cattle handling and cattle transport drivers. The corporate teams of Quality, Cattle Purchasing and Sustainability are also frequently trained through talks, seminars, workshops and national conferences.
With the aid of independent consultants, these campaigns are designed to strengthen the animal welfare culture.
In the animal welfare training conducted in 2022, 847 employees were trained, and 1,123 third parties (drivers, farm employees, and livestock breeders) were trained across all countries of operation.
Certifications
Angus
The Certified Angus Beef program aims to produce high-quality meat, seeking to efficiently meet criteria such as: a minimum of 50% Angus genetics, young animals, with a minimum average fat coverage and suitable carcass conformation.
Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), José Bonifácio (SP), Mirassol d’Oeste (MT), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO), Paranatinga (MT) and Rolim de Moura (RO).
Units
Asunción (Planta 2), Asunción(Planta 8), Belén and San Antonio.
Units
Canelones, Carrasco, Durazno (BPU) and Melo (PUL).
International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC)
The International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) provides proof of compliance with environmental, social, and traceability criteria, qualifying biomass or biofuel companies for legal recognition under the criteria defined by the European Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED).
Units<em>
Minerva Biodiesel, Palmeiras de Goiás (GO).
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Eureciclo Seal
The seal is awarded to companies that promote the reverse logistics of post-consumption packaging. In the eureciclo methodology, companies must acquire a quantity of Recycling Certificates issued by cooperatives and equivalent to at least 22% of the total amount of packaging sold in the market.
Brazil
Industrial Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), José Bonifácio (SP), Mirassol d’Oeste (MT), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO), Paranatinga (MT) and Rolim de Moura (RO).
ISO 14001 – EN
ISO 14001 standard’s main objective is to specify the requirements for implementing an environmental management system, enabling organizations to develop sustainable practices in their business, products, and services, and aiming to ensure environmental balance and protection.
Check the operations where we have certification within the protocol:
Unit
José Bonifácio (SP).
BRCGS – (Brand Reputation) – Eng
The BRCGS global standard certifies the management system in place for food safety, integrity, legality, and quality in the manufacturing, processing, and packaging industries. It is one of the most widely used operational tools around the world and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative – GFSI.
Industrial Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), José Bonifácio (SP), Mirassol d’Oeste (MT), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO), Paranatinga (MT) and Rolim de Moura (RO).
Industrial Units
Pilar, Venado Tuerto and Rosário
Industrial Units
Bucaramanga and Ciénaga de Oro
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén, San Antonio
Industrial Units
Canelones, Carrasco, Durazno (BPU) and Melo (PUL).
Certifications
SMETA – Auditoria Ética Comercial dos Membros da Sedex
The protocol verifies the working conditions within the company, compliance with the applicable legislation, social responsibility initiatives, and respect for Human Rights.
Industrial Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), José Bonifácio (SP), Mirassol d’Oeste (MT), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO), Paranatinga (MT) e Rolim de Moura (RO).
Industrial Units
Rosário
Industrial Units
Bucaramanga e Ciénaga de Oro
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén, San Antonio.
Industrial Units
Canelones, Carrasco e Melo (PUL).
GAP – Global Animal Partnership – Step 4
The Global Animal Partnership (GAP) is one of the largest North American animal welfare programs. GAP certification is obtained by supplier farms through third-party audits that verify the animal welfare conditions on-site. After implementing the appropriate protocol management on the farms, there are third-party audits to ensure compliance, and the auditor’s report goes through regulatory organization approval before certification is granted. This process ensures strict adherence to the protocol.
Units
Canelones, Carrasco and Melo.
NAMI – North American Meat Institute
According to the NAMI (North American Meat Institute) protocol, auditors accredited by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification (PAACO) certify that the establishment is following all international animal welfare standards. The process includes scientific verification that the animals are kept healthy, comfortable, well-nourished, and safe, with their natural behavior maintained, and they do not suffer from pain, fear, or distress. It also assesses whether there is appropriate shelter, humane handling, nutrition, and slaughter practices.
Industrial Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), José Bonifácio (SP), Mirassol d’Oeste (MT), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO), Paranatinga (MT) and Rolim de Moura (RO).
Industrial Units
Rosário and Venado Tuerto
Industrial Units
Bucaramanga and Ciénaga de Oro
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén, San Antonio
Industrial Units
Canelones, Carrasco, Melo and Durazno (BPU).
Certifications
AAWCS – Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System
The Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System (AAWCS) is an independent auditing program used by cattle producers to demonstrate compliance with industry best practices for animal welfare, from livestock reception to humane processing.
Check the operations where we have certification within the protocol:
Units
Colac, Sunshine Esperance and Tammin.
Certificações
Great Place to Work
The Great Place to Work (GPTW) certifies and recognizes the best workplaces in 97 countries around the world. It is a global research and consulting organization that helps companies to create positive work cultures based on trust, respect, and employee development. The process of obtaining the certification involves conducting voluntary surveys with employees anonymously, without any external influence, to assess their perception of various aspects of the organization. The survey methodology is based on the pillars of Values, Trust, Leadership Effectiveness, Innovation for All, Maximizing Human Potential, and Leadership Movement.
Units
All operations in the country.
Certification
Carbon Neutral Seal
The Carbon Neutral seal certifies that greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout the meat and leather production process, from particular rural properties included in the Renove program, through processing and transport to the final destination, were duly measured and compensated through the purchase of verified carbon credits. The seal was granted by an independent certifying organization, present in more than 100 countries.
With plans to reduce emissions in farms and industrial units, the residual volume is compensated through MyCarbon, using carbon credits generated from reforestation and forest conservation projects.
The certification was achieved through Renove, Minerva Foods’ program of engagement and collaborative action with cattle ranchers to implement low-carbon and regenerative livestock.
Click here and check the details about the certification process.
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Industrial Units Araguaína (TO)Ranches 05 Certified Ranches in Tocantins (TO). |
Carbon Footprint Management Plan
|
|
 |
Industrial Units Canelones, Carrasco, Durazno (BPU) e Melo (PUL). Ranches 108 Certified Ranches in: Artigas (03); Cerro Largo (37); Durazno (3); Flores (01); Florida (09); Lavalleja (03); Paysandú (04); Rio Negro (02); Riviera (06); Rocha (14); Salto (02); Soriano (01); Tacuarambó (19); and Treinta y Tres (07). |
Carbon Footprint Management Plan
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Certifications
SWA – Supplier Workplace Accountability
With a focus on social responsibility and sustainability, the protocol verifies the working conditions of our own and third-party employees as well as compliance with the applicable legislation.
Industrial Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), José Bonifácio (SP), Mirassol d’Oeste (MT), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO) and Paranatinga (MT).
Industrial Units
Ciénaga de Oro
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén.
Industrial Units
Pilar e Rosário.
Industrial Units
Canelones and Melo (PUL).
Certifications
Renewable Energy Seal
The seal certifies that 100% of the energy used in operations comes from renewable sources and is issued by the Tótum Institute in partnership with the Associação Brasileira de Energia Eólica (ABEEólica) and the Associação Brasileira de Energia Limpa (Abragel). Minerva Foods is a pioneer in receiving the seal.
Industrial Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), José Bonifácio (SP), Mirassol d’Oeste (MT), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO), Paranatinga (MT) e Rolim de Moura (RO).
Certifications
LWG – Leather Working Group
The protocol verifies the production of hides from the slaughter process and certifies compliance with internationally recognized quality criteria, as well as sustainable environmental production criteria. All our service providers (tanneries) are certified in Brazil and Paraguay.
Certifications
BSE FIREWALLS
The food safety protocol is specific for verifying the control of specific risk material according to the requirements of sanitary legislation and that of McDonald’s.
Industrial Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), José Bonifácio (SP), Mirassol d’Oeste (MT), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO) e Paranatinga (MT).
Industrial Units
Ciénaga de Oro and Bucaramanga.
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén, San Antonio
Industrial Units
Canelones, Carrasco, Durazno (BPU) e Melo (PUL).
Certifications
SQMS – Global Quality Systems
This audit, aimed at enabling business with the McDonald’s food chain, verifies the conformity of the quality management system and food safety, with internationally recognized protocols and with the requirements of the customer.
Industrial Units
Ciénaga de Oro
Certifications
ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for qualification of testing and calibration laboratories
ISO/IEC 17025 is a unique standard developed exclusively for laboratories engaged in testing and calibration. Its objective is to promote confidence in the operation of laboratories, identifying those that deliver maximum confidence in their services.
Industrial Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO) e Rolim de Moura (RO).
Certifications
Halal
The Halal Certification confirms that the production, the industrialization and the storage of the products have complied with the Islamic jurisprudence throughout all stages. The process is performed by an agency controlled by the government and/or by an Islamic organization.
Industrial Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), José Bonifácio (SP), Mirassol d’Oeste (MT), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO), Paranatinga (MT) and Rolim de Moura (RO).
Industrial Units
Rosário and Venado Tuerto
Industrial Units
Bucaramanga and Ciénaga de Oro
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén, San Antonio
Industrial Units
Canelones, Carrasco, Durazno (BPU) and Melo (PUL)
Certifications
Grass Fed
The Grass Fed label is a guarantee that the animals were 100% grass-fed, from birth to slaughter, without the use of any supplemental feed, grains, or hormones. The certtification is present in 14,5% % of Colombia’s production.
Industrial Units
Ciénaga de Oro and Bucaramanga
Certifications
Organic
Guarantee that the production process complies with the norms and practices of organic production in accordance with the protocols of the United States and the European Union.
Industrial Units
Araguaína (TO), Barretos (SP), Janaúba (MG), José Bonifácio (SP), Palmeiras de Goiás (GO), Paranatinga (MT) and Mirassol d’Oeste (MT).
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén, San Antonio
Industrial Units
Rosário.
Industrial Units
Canelones, Carrasco, Durazno (BPU) and Melo (PUL)
Certifications
HACCP – Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point
Through our HACCP certification, we certify that the company has a science-based system to identify potential hazards and specific measures to control them in order to ensure the production or commercialization of safe food.
Industrial Units
Bucaramanga e Ciénaga de Oro
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén, San Antonio
Certifications
COTSCO
Audits verify the requirements of the quality system, food safety, and animal welfare in order to certify the industries for business with the brand.
Offices
Canelones, Carrasco, Durazno (BPU) e Melo (PUL).
We want to improve our management methods, maximize opportunities and advance in the industry value chain. To pursue this goal, we have created a department devoted to strategic planning, with a focus on value-added business, expanding into new niche markets.
Check out some of our businesses within the segment of alternative proteins, free from animal ingredients, that deliver our products with quality assurance to the consumer.
Formerly known as Clara Foods, this is a biotechnology company that develops protein products without any animal ingredients. The production process utilizes ingredients free of pesticides, antibiotics, and preservatives, and consumes less water and energy, in line with our strategy for sustainability.
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