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, and in all units in Paraguay and Uruguay. 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 aspects 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.
Our units in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia and the Rosario unit in Argentina are certified by PAACO (Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization), which follows the NAMI (North American Meat Institute) protocol. The average approval rate is 99.9%. In Australia, Colac and Sunshine units area certified in the Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System – AAWCS, with a 100% compliance rate.
As for the value chain, part of our suppliers in Uruguay have the GAP – Global Animal Partnership certification, one of the largest North American animal welfare programs. After the appropriate management process for the protocol is implemented on the farms, there are third-party audits to certify compliance and the report made by the auditor still undergoes approval by the regulatory organization before certification is granted, which guarantees strict compliance with the protocol. More than 14,000 animals originated from certified farms in Uruguay in 2022.
In the last year, we achieved an important advancement in our evaluation in indexes and ratings regarding this topic. We advanced two tiers in the BBFAW (Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare) ranking, the main international evaluation of animal welfare and advanced from “high risk” to “medium risk”, with a percentage of 56% compliance in the “Animal Welfare” block ” from the Coller FAIRR market instrument. We are currently in Tier 3.
The company relies on the effective performance of the Animal Welfare Committee (BEA) to enable more agile and assertive deision making. This group brings together leaers in areas such as procurement, logistics, quality, animal welfare and communication.
Get to know Our Guidelines:
Animal Welfare Policy
Download in PDF
Animal Welfare Program
Download in PDF
Animal Welfare Report
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.
| Slaughter | Processing | Ingredients | Distribution | Total % of supply chain | Countries | |
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| 97,43% | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, Uruguay |
| – |
| – |
| 1,34% | Brazil, Argentina |
| – |
| – |
| 0,87% | Brazil, Argentina |
|
| – | – |
| 0,04% | Brazil, Paraguay |
| – | – | – |
| 0,31% | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay |
| Slaughter |
|
| Processing |
|
| Ingredients |
|
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 97,43% |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, Uruguay |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing |
|
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 1,34% |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing |
|
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 0,87% |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina |
| Slaughter |
|
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 0,04% |
| Countries | Brazil, Paraguay |
| Slaughter | – |
| Processing | – |
| Ingredients | – |
| Distribution |
|
| Total % of supply chain | 0,31% |
| Countries | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay |
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.
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”.
Verification of compliance with the guidelines is done annually through questionnaires and visits by technical personnel.
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.
Last year, 736 employees and 1,091 third party personnel (drivers, farm and ranch workers) were trained on animal welfare.
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.
Certifications
ISO 14001
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).
Certifications
Eureciclo Seal
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).
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.
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Industrial Units Araguaína (TO)Ranches 05 Certified Ranches in Tocantins (TO). |
Carbon Footprint Management Plan
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Industrial Units Canelones, Carrasco e Melo (PUL). Ranches |
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
Canelones and Melo (PUL).
Certifications
SMETA – Auditoria Ética Comercial dos Membros da Sedex
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.
Certifications
PAACO – Professional Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization
PAACO (Professional animal auditor certification) certifies that the establishment is following all international animal welfare standards. In the process there is scientific confirmation that the animals are maintained in a healthy, comfortable, well-nourished, safe, and innately behaved manner, and that they do not suffer from pain, fear, or distress, in addition to evaluating whether there is appropriate shelter, handling, nutrition, and humane slaughter.
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.
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
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén, San Antonio
Industrial Units
Canelones, Carrasco 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
Angus
Recognized by the National Agriculture Confederation (CNA), the Certified Angus Meat program aims to produce high quality meat, striving to efficiently comply with standards such as: minimum 50% Angus genetics, young animals, with minimum average fat coverage and adequate carcass conformation.
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Industrial Units Araguaína (TO)Ranches 05 Certified Ranches in Tocantins (TO). |
Carbon Footprint Management Plan
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Industrial Units Canelones, Carrasco e Melo (PUL). Ranches |
Carbon Footprint Management Plan
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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 and Melo (PUL)
Certifications
Grass Feed
The Grass Feed 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.
Industrial Units
Ciénaga de Oro
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) e Paranatinga (MT).
Industrial Units
Assunção (Planta 2), Assunção (Planta 8), Belén, San Antonio
Industrial Units
Canelones, Carrasco e 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
BRCGS – Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards
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 and Melo (PUL)
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 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.
Biotechnology company focused on the development of various products, especially in the segment of animal protein-free, reconstituted proteins, via fermentation processes, including natural fermentation preservatives that allow for significant changes in the process of beef storage and transportation.
The process of developing molecules via fermentation is one of the most advanced and efficient alternatives in the search for a food production model with less impact on the carbon chain, thereby contributing to the sustainability of our planet.
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