Meatco earns top global food safety rating
The Meat Corporation of Namibia’s (Meatco) Windhoek abattoir has achieved the highest possible food safety certification - an A+ grade - following an unannounced audit by the British Retail Consortium Global Standard (BRCGS) for Food Safety, conducted from 11 to 13 August 2025.
The A+ grade marks an improvement from the facility’s previous A rating awarded in 2024, underscoring Meatco’s consistent commitment to international best practices in food safety, quality and compliance. The distinction represents the highest level attainable during an unannounced audit.
Although auditors identified eight minor non-conformances, Meatco stated that it immediately implemented corrective and preventive actions, leading to the successful closure of the audit.
The BRCGS team commended several aspects of the Windhoek operation, including strong leadership from senior management, a well-structured Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan reviewed quarterly, and a robust traceability system capable of tracking products within three to four hours. The audit also praised Meatco’s effective complaint-handling and incident management systems, noting zero product recalls over the past 12 months.
Recognition of excellence
The abattoir was also verified as compliant with food safety regulations from Namibia, the European Union, the United States Department of Agriculture, and South Africa, and maintains both Halaal certification and compliance with the Farm Assured Scheme.
Ambassador Albertus Aochamub, Meatco’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, said the achievement reflects the company’s deep commitment to excellence:
“Achieving the A+ grade is a clear demonstration of our pursuit of excellence and our responsibility to deliver world-class beef that meets the highest global standards. This result reflects the dedication of our employees, the trust of our producers, and the confidence of our international partners.”
He added that the award reaffirms Meatco’s role as a custodian of Namibia’s reputation in global beef markets.
The A+ grade marks an improvement from the facility’s previous A rating awarded in 2024, underscoring Meatco’s consistent commitment to international best practices in food safety, quality and compliance. The distinction represents the highest level attainable during an unannounced audit.
Although auditors identified eight minor non-conformances, Meatco stated that it immediately implemented corrective and preventive actions, leading to the successful closure of the audit.
The BRCGS team commended several aspects of the Windhoek operation, including strong leadership from senior management, a well-structured Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan reviewed quarterly, and a robust traceability system capable of tracking products within three to four hours. The audit also praised Meatco’s effective complaint-handling and incident management systems, noting zero product recalls over the past 12 months.
Recognition of excellence
The abattoir was also verified as compliant with food safety regulations from Namibia, the European Union, the United States Department of Agriculture, and South Africa, and maintains both Halaal certification and compliance with the Farm Assured Scheme.
Ambassador Albertus Aochamub, Meatco’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, said the achievement reflects the company’s deep commitment to excellence:
“Achieving the A+ grade is a clear demonstration of our pursuit of excellence and our responsibility to deliver world-class beef that meets the highest global standards. This result reflects the dedication of our employees, the trust of our producers, and the confidence of our international partners.”
He added that the award reaffirms Meatco’s role as a custodian of Namibia’s reputation in global beef markets.
