On November 5, 2024, New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) released consultation paper,  proposing to revise standards for the production, supply and processing of animal products, with a feedback period up to 10 December 2024. Main contents:

(1) Add the definition of "waste material" unfit for human consumption; Add a definition of "denatured", unsuitable for the sensory requirements of meat for human or animal consumption; Updating the definition of "post-mortem inspection procedures" in chapters 6, 7 and 8 of the Meat Code of Practice;

(2) Replace "cultured mammals" with "cultured red meat animals"; Replace "hunted mammals" with "hunted animals", etc.;

(3) The HACCP program must be performed by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory for the purpose of validating dairy products, unless specifically specified that the testing must be performed by an APA accredited laboratory; Adding bismuth detection items in raw milk;

(4) Meat inspection adds the declaration requirement of whether the animal has been vaccinated against Johne's disease; Declaration requirements for the use of antimicrobials for the purpose of growth promotion or yield increase;

(5) Increase the ability of bivalve processors to process shellfish only if accompanied by a shellfish harvest declaration; Shellfish containers must be cleaned and disinfected; The frequency of coliform testing that must be done for shellfish purified circulating water has been reduced from weekly to monthly.

 Table 1 summarises the amendments that have been identified for correction and the reason for the proposals.

For more details see: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/proposed-amendments-to-animal-products-notice-production-supply-and-processing/