Our Standards
FAN Meat Scheme
How our national quality assurance system works & why it matters.
Certification
What certification means for producers, consumers.
Overview Process
Learn how we verify compliance every step of the way.
Claims Available
Different labels & certifications that showcase quality & ethics.
Explaining the FAN Meat Scheme
The Farm Assured Namibian Meat (FAN Meat) Scheme is Namibia’s national quality assurance system for livestock and meat products. It ensures that all certified meat meets strict standards for safety, animal welfare, traceability, and ethical production — from the farm to international markets.
What Is the FAN Meat Scheme?
The FAN Meat Scheme is a voluntary certification system that applies to beef and other livestock sectors.
It was established to meet the requirements of premium international markets (e.g. UK, EU, China, Norway), while supporting safe, ethical, and sustainable production at home.
It is implemented by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia and functions in collaboration with:
- The Namibian government
- Veterinary authorities
- Export abattoirs and traders
- Livestock producers and farmer unions
Core Components of the Scheme
Animal Identification & Traceability
All livestock are registered in the NamLITS (Namibian Livestock Identification and Traceability System).
This allows full traceability from:
• Farm of origin.
• Animal movements.
• Abattoir.
• Export.
Animal Welfare & Ethical Handling
FAN Meat-certified producers must follow practices that align with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards.
This includes:
• The five animal welfare domains.
• No growth hormones.
• Responsible use of antibiotics.
Production Standards
The scheme certifies meat from animals:
• Following the FAN Meat certified value chain; and
• Raised on extensive rangelands as Naturally Produced; or
• Extensively reared and finished in feedlots as Grain fed or high value beef, depending on the period of finishing.
Food Safety & Residue Control
Certified animals must comply with strict hygiene and veterinary controls, including:
• Mandatory withdrawal periods for medication.
• Regular residue testing for antibiotics, pesticides, and hormones.
Audits & Compliance
Compliance is verified through:
• On-farm audits by FAN Meat accredited inspectors.
• Documentation checks and desk-top audits.
• Export Quality control at export abattoirs
Why It Matters
For Producers:
FAN Meat Offers:
- Provides access to premium
export markets - Increases market value for
certified animals - Builds trust and
transparency
Consumers & Buyers
FAN Meat Guarantees:
- Safe, traceable meat from verified Namibian farms
- Ethical and environmentally responsible production
- Compliance with international food safety standards
FAN Meat Certification
Whether you are a farmer, importer, retailer or consumer, the FAN Meat logo assures you that the product:
COMES FROM
Namibia’s Unique Environment
RESPECT
Animals, People & Land
THAT IT IS
Certified, Credible & Trusted
- 01 Animal Welfare
- 02 Food Safety
- 03 Veterinary Oversight
Animal Welfare
At FAN Meat, animal welfare is a core pillar of our operations. We are committed to ensuring that every animal involved in our supply chain is treated with respect, compassion, and care, adhering to the highest welfare standards.
Humane Handling
Our livestock are handled by trained personnel who follow strict protocols to minimize stress and discomfort during transport, handling, and processing.
Living Conditions
Animals are raised in environments that promote natural behaviors, with ample space, clean water, nutritious feed, and shelter appropriate to their needs.
Health and Comfort
Veterinary on-farm inspections ensure that animals remain healthy and free from pain or distress
Ethical Standards
We comply with both national and international animal welfare guidelines, including recommendations from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and recognised welfare frameworks.
Continuous Improvement
FAN Meat continuously reviews and improves welfare practices through audits, staff training, and incorporation of the latest research in animal welfare science.
Awareness creation & advocating for animal welfare
Through participation in policy and legislation development
Food Safety
Ensuring the safety and quality of our meat products is paramount at FAN Meat. Our food safety program integrates best practices throughout the entire supply chain from farm to abattoir.
Hygienic Processing
Our slaughterhouses and processing facilities adhere to strict sanitation and hygiene protocols certified by recognized food safety authorities.
Traceability
Comprehensive records that allow trace back to the source farm, allowing transparency and swift response in the event of a safety concern.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
FAN Meat requires HACCP systems to be implemented to identify and control potential hazards, ensuring that every product meets stringent safety standards.
Regular Testing
Routine microbiological and chemical testing is conducted at export abattoirs as required by the veterinary authorities to monitor and guarantee the safety, purity, and freshness of our meat products.
Packaging & Storage
Advanced packaging techniques and controlled storage environments protect the product from contamination and preserve quality during transport and retail.
Veterinary Oversight
Veterinary oversight is essential to maintaining the health of our livestock and ensuring food safety from an animal health perspective.
Qualified Veterinarians
Experienced registered veterinarians oversee all aspects of animal health management and welfare compliance.
Health Monitoring
Continuous monitoring programs detect and prevent diseases, ensuring animals are fit for production and safe for consumption.
Vaccination & Treatment
Animals receive vaccinations and medical treatment as necessary, with strict adherence to withdrawal periods to ensure no residues enter the food chain in order to be eligible to market.
Biosecurity Protocols
Veterinarians establish and enforce biosecurity measures to minimize disease risks at farms, during transport, and at processing facilities.
Compliance & Reporting
Veterinary staff ensure compliance with national animal health regulations and international standards, providing transparent reporting to stakeholders.
Certification Process Overview
At FAN Meat, we uphold the highest standards in animal welfare, food safety, and traceability.
Our certification process ensures that every step, from farm to final product, meets rigorous quality and ethical criteria. This process guarantees that FAN Meat products are safe, ethically produced, and traceable — offering consumers confidence in every bite.
1. Application & Initial Assessment
Producers join the FAN Meat Scheme when registering a national stock brand. Such stock brand is system generated and unique. Our team conducts an initial desk-top assessment to review farm practices, infrastructure, and compliance with FAN Meat standards. Players further along the value chain who are interesting in joining the scheme submit an application. An initial assessment takes place to determine eligibility.
2. On-Site Audit & Inspection
Qualified auditors visit the farm or facility to perform a thorough evaluation. This includes inspection of animal welfare conditions, biosecurity measures, feed quality, record keeping, and overall operational management.
3. Documentation Review
All relevant documentation—such as health records, feed sourcing, treatment logs, and processing procedures—is reviewed to verify compliance with FAN Meat requirements.
4. Corrective Actions & Support
If any gaps or non-compliances are identified, producers receive detailed feedback along with guidance on corrective actions. FAN Meat provides support and training to help producers meet the standards.
5. Certification Decision
Upon successful completion of audits and resolution of any issues, the producer is awarded FAN Meat certification, authorizing them to market their products under the FAN Meat label. Only FAN Meat certified export abattoirs are eligible to export meat and meat products, and prescribed by the LLPBN Export Conditions
6. Continuous Monitoring & Re-Certification
Certified producers undergo regular surveillance audits to maintain certification status. FAN Meat promotes continuous improvement through ongoing monitoring, updates to standards, and re-certification every 12 months.
Certification & Claims Available Under the FAN Meat Scheme
FAN Meat offers a range of certifications that reflect different production methods and quality standards, allowing producers to showcase the unique qualities of their meat products.
Each certification under the FAN Meat Scheme guarantees quality, ethical production, and traceability — empowering producers and assuring consumers of premium Namibian beef.
Naturally Produced Certificatioin
- Ethical & Sustainable:
This certification covers cattle raised on natural grazing systems without the use of growth promoters, antibiotics (except for treatment), or genetically modified feeds. - Environmental Stewardship:
Emphasis is placed on sustainable land use and minimising environmental impact. - Transparency & Traceability:
Producers maintain detailed records ensuring full traceability and compliance with natural production standards. - No use of growth promotors
Grain Fed & High Value Beef Certification
- Enhanced Flavour & Texture:
This certification applies to cattle finished on a high-quality grain diet, producing meat with a distinct taste & fine texture. - Feeding Regimen Verification:
Producers must document and maintain specific grain feeding periods & diet composition to qualify. - Food Safety & Welfare:
All grain-fed operations comply with FAN Meat’s rigorous food safety & animal welfare standards. - High Value Beef Production:
minimum of 100 days’ feedlot finished - No use of growth promotors
Wagyu Certification
- Premium Quality:
This certification is awarded to producers raising Wagyu cattle, known for their exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. - Strict Genetic and Feeding Standards:
Certified Wagyu cattle must meet defined breed purity and feeding protocols to ensure authentic Wagyu characteristics. - Animal Welfare Compliance:
Wagyu farms are audited for superior welfare standards, guaranteeing ethical and sustainable production. - No use of growth promotors
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