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Animal Products, Dairy and Food

January 2006

Animal Products Act 1999
Information Pamphlet

Animal Products (other than dairy)

The Act replaces the Meat Act 1981, yet has a broader scope than the Meat Act. Concerning animal products, the Animal Products Act generally applies to the production and processing for the purposes of trade or export, of—

• All animal material, whether alive or dead, from mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and invertebrates; and

• All products, both edible and non-edible, derived in whole or in part from animal material.

The requirements of this Act apply principally to animal material and animal products that are intended for human or animal consumption, but may also apply or be made to apply to animal material and products intended for other purposes.

Dairy

In 2005 the Animal Products Act was amended to cover dairy products, thus allowing for the repeal of the Dairy Industry Act 1952. The intention is to provide for a harmonisation of the regulatory requirements applying to all animal products. This should be possible for the general approach and principles, yet the lower level operational requirements will vary from industry to industry. NZFSA wants to remove unnecessary duplication or overlapping of requirements.

Food

The Animal Products Act potentially applies to the processing of animal products that are also foods within the meaning of the Food Act 1981. Under the Animal Products Act, secondary processors of animal material/products need a risk management programme, except to the extent they are subject to the Food Act regime. Where a secondary processor needs an Official Assurance under the Animal Products Act to export to overseas markets, the secondary processor must operate under the Animal Products Act.

With the formation of the NZFSA and the determination to progress the Domestic Food Review, greater harmonisation of the Animal Products Act regime with the Food Act regime is made possible. Over time the objective is to create a seamless risk-based food safety regime in New Zealand.

This publication is not a legal interpretation of the Animal Products Act or the Animal Products (Ancillary and Transitional Provisions) Act and is intended only as a guide.