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Introduction to the Animal Products Act

January 2006

Animal Products Act 1999
Information Pamphlet

The Animal Products Act 1999 is New Zealand’s legal framework for processing animal material into food, such as meat and dairy products. It establishes a risk management system that requires all animal products traded and used to be ‘fit for intended purpose’ through meeting New Zealand animal product standards.

Section 2 of the Animal Products Act sets out its objectives to —

a. Minimise and manage risks to human or animal health arising from the production and processing of animal material and products by instituting measures that ensure so far as is practicable that all traded animal products are fit for their intended purpose; and

b. Facilitate the entry of animal material and products into overseas markets by providing the controls and mechanisms needed to give and to safeguard official assurances for entry into those markets.

The risk management system comprises the following main types of controls:

• Risk management programmes — these are implemented by businesses processing animal material to identify and manage potential hazards in order to ensure that the resulting animal product meets relevant standards.

• Regulated control schemes — these are schemes imposed by NZFSA to manage risks: an example is the national scheme for monitoring residues in meat.

• Exporter controls — these include the issuing of Official Assurances and the publishing of export requirements. Most exporters of animal material and products are required to be registered with the NZFSA.

• Recognising agencies and persons — the NZFSA recognises persons involved with key functions to ensure competency and performance.

The Animal Products Act contains New Zealand’s requirements for game estates to facilitate the tracing and proper treatment of animal material and product derived from such estates. Also, the Act sets out what is allowed in New Zealand in regard to homekill and recreational catch activity. While allowing for this activity, there are strict requirements to prevent the unlawful trading of this unregulated product.

Dairy has been regulated under the Animal Products Act from 1 June 2005.

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.