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Discover Our Roots: The Story Behind

Making a Difference

Our Story

Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Ltd (trading as Meat & Livestock Classification - MLC), established in April 2006, is a pivotal player in the UK meat and livestock industry, continuing the legacy of the Meat Livestock Commission (MLC) from 1967. MLC specialises in providing independent authentication and classification services for carcases, crucial for efficient livestock trading and herd improvement. Our approach, in line with EU standards, involves detailed assessment of carcase characteristics and monitoring carcase presentation, ensuring fair and unbiased valuation in the industry. Upholding the "Quality Standard for the Delivery of Carcase Classification Services in Great Britain," MLC is committed to transparency, trust, and consistency, benefiting the entire supply chain, including both farmers and processors.

Our Expertise

At MLC, we specialise in providing independent, statutory carcase classification and authentication services. Our expertise lies in accurately assessing essential characteristics of livestock such as breed, sex, age, weight, conformation and fat. Additionally, we verify that carcases are presented correctly at the scale, ensuring farmers do not lose money due to improper weight loss. We are committed to enhancing the industry's skills through training in stock selection, carcase specification, and grading techniques. Our proficiency ensures adherence to high standards, reinforcing our role as a leader in ensuring quality and reliability within the meat and livestock industry.

Our Clients

At MLC, our commitment extends to major abattoirs and farmers nationwide. Specialising in precise livestock classification, we aim to ensure fair compensation for farmers and strengthen market confidence. Our strategic partnerships with select abattoirs across the UK offer accessible, independent and reliable services to farmers. Discover detailed information about our widespread service locations and the types of animals processed in our comprehensive directory and interactive map.

Explore more our directory

Our Mission

“The Value of Independence”, embodies our 55-year dedication to impartiality and trust in the meat and livestock industry. This mission ensures fair pricing, boosts market confidence, and fosters consumer trust, creating a competitive edge for abattoirs and fair compensation for farmers. Our commitment to independence is central to our operations, ensuring accurate classification and valuation of livestock. As the sole national provider of these services, our expertise and trained officers guarantee reliable and impartial classification, making MLC a trusted partner in the industry.

Our Team 

MLC's Senior Management Team, complemented by dedicated staff across the UK, steers the company strategically. The Central Support Department ensures smooth operations in critical areas like finance and IT, while Carcase Classification Officers, led by Operational Managers, maintain our high service standards, embodying our commitment to quality and reliability in the industry.

Meet the team

Part of Vorenta Group

Together, HallMark VCS, HallMark Meat Hygiene and MLC bring complementary expertise together under one shared purpose.

Vitsit Meat & Livestock Classification
Vitsit Hallmark Veterinary & Compliance Services
Vitsit Hallmark Meat Hygiene

Vision

To be a trusted and innovative leader across the agrifood sector ensuring safety, sustainability and quality in food production from farm to fork. Through the combined expertise of our values-led businesses, we promote animal health and welfare, uphold the highest standards of integrity and assurance, and use innovation, technology and expertise to continually improve the way the sector operates.

3 Divisions

1 Purpose

Our people make a positive difference to society.  Our collective purpose is to strengthen and protect confidence in the agrifood sector through our expertise, independence and innovation.

Shared Values

Shared Values

What people are saying?

  • Simon Gardner, Sales Manager at Lister Communications

    “Partnering with MLC has been a rewarding and enlightening experience. Their dedication to excellence and innovation in the Meat Industry sector is truly commendable. MLC’s proactive approach to integrating advanced IT solutions and their commitment to cybersecurity have significantly enhanced their operational efficiency and service quality. As a provider of comprehensive IT services, we have witnessed first-hand how MLC's forward-thinking strategies and adaptability have set them apart in their industry. Their team's expertise and collaborative spirit have made our partnership not only successful but also a model for effective digital transformation in the veterinary compliance field.”

  • George Taylor QPPL General Manager

    ‘We here at Quality Pork Processors Ltd, are extremely happy with the service provided by MLC.

    The graders based here, and those that provide holiday cover etc, are very professional in every aspect of their roles.

    Also, having a third party, independent classification service on site, gives our suppliers that little bit more comfort and allows them to sleep just that little bit more comfortably than would be the case with a processor that carries out the classification in-house’.

  • Neil Knight, Technical Operations Manager at Kepak Bodmin, Meat Division UK

    ‘’Kepak Bodmin have had the pleasure of working closely with Steve from MLC for many years, his expertise and consistency have brought tremendous value to our operation.

     His in-depth knowledge of carcass classification and unwavering attention to detail,  and his enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge is infectious.

     Steve’s professionalism and communication have also helped us build greater trust with our suppliers, producers and customers alike, which has supported us in maintaining our high standards of quality and transparency throughout the supply chain."