What is VIA

VIA is an automated grading process that uses video cameras on the slaughter line and specialist software to classify carcases. VIA lights the suspended carcases and the video cameras take digital pictures of each carcase. The software processes these images to analyse information about the carcase shape (conformation) and fat cover. The contours of the carcase are analysed to assess its conformation based on the EUROP classification scale. It then compares the amount of red (flesh) and white (fat) on the image to determine the fat class of the carcase.

Approved machines

Currently, the machines approved for use in the UK are the VBS 2000 (E+V Technology) machine, the VBS 2000 (Marel) machine and the AuraVBS machine (JBT-Marel).

The AuraVBS machine is a rebranded version of the approved VBS 2000 (Marel)machines. machine.Although the name has changed there have been no changes to the functionality which means a separate authorisation trial has not been required.

Licences for VIA

VIA is approved for use, with a licence, across the UK. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) issue the appropriate licences for England and Wales. Slaughterhouses must notify RPA, in writing, if they want to classify carcases using VIA. RPA will issue a licence to classify carcases using automated grading techniques if the slaughterhouse has installed the appropriate technology and met the criteria for its use. RPA must be satisfied that the VIA machine is operating and classifying bovine carcases to the required standards. Regular inspections will show if this is the case. A licence may be suspended or revoked if:

• the business (operator) using the machine has broken the terms of the issued licence
• grading doesn’t meet the standards required by the Regulations – whether this is because of the machine or with the way it is being used
• the machine covered by the licence is moved.

Carcase presentation

The approved carcase presentation for VIA classification is the UK dressing specification. For a VIA classification to be valid, the carcase presentation must be identical to the one used in the tests which certified and approved the use of VIA for the UK. These are the EU certification test in March 2010, and the approval test on modifications of the technical specifications of the authorised beef automated grading machine which concluded in July 2023. Both tests used the UK dressing specification. Any request for changes to the approved carcase presentation must:

• be made in writing, and

• agreement received before the changes are made.

Operating requirements for VIA

Slaughterhouses using VIA to classify carcases must:

• have an appropriate licence issued by RPA
• identify the category of the carcase using the system referred to in EUR 2000/1760 ‘Identification and registration of bovine animals’
• keep daily control reports on the automated grading, specifically include any faults or inaccuracies and what actions were taken where necessary
• classify carcases in line with the EUROP scale
• use carcase labels
• record the VIA produced grade without amendments
• have a licenced classifier on site at all times.

The use of labels is compulsory where classification is carried out by automated grading techniques. Slaughterhouses must record the VIA produced grade and all other necessary information on the carcase labels, records and remittance advices and this grade should not be changed. They must include the fact that classification was by automated grading techniques.

The classification, identification and weighing of the carcase must take place within 1 hour of slaughter after the animal has been stuck. If VIA fails to classify a carcase, the classification and identification of the carcase must take place on the day of slaughter. Weighing of the carcase must still take place within 1 hour. For this reason a slaughterhouse using VIA must also have a licenced classifier on site at all times to carry out the grading if a machine stops working or if a machine fails to classify a carcase.

VIA machines need maintained and serviced on a regular basis to make sure that they continue to work correctly. Operators must check each machine daily and keep a control report. These reports must be available for inspection when requested.

Who is responsible for VIA

The slaughterhouses using VIA are each responsible for the accuracy of the carcase classification in their business. They are required to carry out calibration and grading accuracy checks on the machine each day and to implement a daily maintenance programme. The machine manufacturer who was responsible for the installation of the machines is also responsible for the ongoing provision of servicing and repairs. RPA is responsible for the statutory inspection of machine performance and ensuring that classification and carcase presentation are carried out to the required standard.

Can I have my carcases reassessed and re-graded

If carcases presented do not grade as expected you are advised to contact the slaughterhouse.  Please note, that even if an agreement is made as to the “correct” grade, the grade on the carcase label cannot be changed.  There is also no appeals service through RPA.  Financial compensation may be arrived at with the slaughterhouse but the possibility of this is entirely at their discretion.

Issues identified with VIA

An operator must inform RPA if issues are identified that affect grading and classification of bovine carcases.

RPA conduct routine inspections and where issues are identified RPA will assess the information and decide if the VIA machine is to be switched off.

Machines switched off or in test mode

Operators must continue to meet all the requirements of the Beef Carcase Classification scheme, even when they have switched the machine off or it is in test mode. Operators must continue to classify bovine carcases aged 8 months and over in line with the EUROP scale. A licenced classifier needs to carry out this classification. When a carcase is classified by manual means the required records must include the following details of the classifier who carried out the classification:

• name
• signature
• licence number

Information given to the supplier of the slaughtered animal must also include that manual classification took place. RPA will confirm when the machine is certified for use again, until then these requirements will apply. Operators must provide RPA with evidence that the issues identified have been fully resolved. When RPA receives this evidence they will carry out an inspection to assess if the machine can be switched back on. Operators can only switch the machine back on when authorised by RPA.