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.
Respect for animal welfare is one of the core elements of Minerva Foods’ operations. We do not tolerate abuse, neglect and mistreatment. In addition, we follow 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.
The Minerva Global Animal Welfare Policy expresses our commitment to ensure that animals (cattle, pigs, laying hens, broilers and fish) that are part of our supply chain are treated with care, dignity and respect. We also have the Animal Welfare Program that establishes a series of procedures and controls – on ranches, during transport to the industry, and in throughout the 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 (BEA). 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
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 mainly include the slaughter and processing of cattle. Pork and broiler chickens are used as raw material for some of our processed products and are also distributed packaged and frozen together with other proteins such as sheep and fish. Furthermore, through Minerva Live Cattle we operate in the transport of live cattle. All operations and business structures are guided by responsible animal welfare governance practices and strictly follow policy and program guidelines.
| Ranch | Slaughter | Processing | Ingredients | Distribution | Total % of supply chain | Volume in tons | Countries | |
|
|
|
|
|
| 90,93% | 1,017,488 | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, Uruguay |
| – | – | – |
| – | 0,0005 | 5 | Argentina |
| – | – |
| – |
| 0,74% | 8,237 | Brazil, Argentina |
| – | – | – |
| – | 0,0003% | 3 | Argentina |
| – | – |
| – |
| 0,53% | 5,961 | Brazil, Argentina |
| – |
| – | – |
| 7,,06% | 78,765 | Brazil, Paraguay, Australia |
| – | – | – | – |
| 0,28% | 5,126 | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay |
| – | – | – | – |
| 0.28% | 4 | Brazil, Argentina |
| Ranch |
|
| Slaughter |
|
| Processing |
|
| Ingredients |
|
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 90,93% |
| Volume in tons | 1,017,488 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, Uruguay |
| Ranch | – |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients |
|
| Distribution | – |
| Total % of supply chain | 0,0005 |
| Volume in tons | 5 |
| Countries | Argentina |
| Ranch | – |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing |
|
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 0,74% |
| Volume in tons | 8,237 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina |
| Ranch | – |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients |
|
| Distribution | – |
| Total % of supply chain | 0,0003% |
| Volume in tons | 3 |
| Countries | Argentina |
| Ranch | – |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing |
|
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 0,53% |
| Volume in tons | 5,961 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina |
| Ranch | – |
| Slaughter |
|
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 7,,06% |
| Volume in tons | 78,765 |
| Countries | Brazil, Paraguay, Australia |
| Ranch | – |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 0,28% |
| Volume in tons | 5,126 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay |
| Ranch | – |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 0.28% |
| Volume in tons | 4 |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina |
We are committed to carrying out humane slaughter and stunning on 100% of the animals, regardless of their species, except those destined for specific markets with religious convictions. All raw materials of animal origin acquired for processing (broilers, pigs, lambs and fish) in the country, are guaranteed to be 100% stunned before slaughter.
Batches of animals received at Minerva units are accompanied by a Statement from the Producer and by Letters of Guarantee, confirming non-use of hormones and antibiotics, in addition to a full description of veterinary medication used on each animal, respectively. 100% of the batches must come with documentation containing specific information about the animals that will be slaughtered, such as medication administration and the non-application of some anti-parasitic drugs.
Any use of antibiotics must be registered and reported to Minerva Foods, and it is only permitted in the case of an animal health issue. Prophylactic and metaphylactic use is not recommended. Additionally, the control of chemical residues and contaminants within the industry is carried out 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 and ensure compliance with the animal welfare policy by our suppliers of raw materials and ingredients of animal origin, Minerva implemented the “Statement of Compliance with Socioenvironmental, Compliance and Animal Welfare Criteria”.
The adherence to guidelines and public commitments made is being verified 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
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).
Certifications
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.
Certifications
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
Industrial Units
Bucaramanga e Ciénaga de Oro
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén, San Antonio
Industrial Units
Canelones, Carrasco e Melo.
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 and Sunshine
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.
Laying hen
Sheep
Fish
Non-animal origin products