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February 2004

Homekill Recreational Catch Service Providers - Reminders

 The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) conducted an audit of service providers last year.  I am writing to share some of the findings.

 Records

You are required to keep records.  This includes contact information about the client supplying the homekill, and a basic inventory of what material comes in and what goes out.  Generally, while homekill records were being kept, few kept the full records as suggested in our published Homekill Guide.  We are requesting that you keep:

• Name and contact information of the client
• The date of slaughter and dates of processing as applicable
• General description of the homekill material received in
• Description of the processed product sent out.

If there was a major animal disease outbreak in New Zealand it is essential to be able to trace animal material for control.  Names, dates and a description of what went where are necessary, please.  We are asking no more than what would be necessary for you to keep your customer orders/invoices accurate. 

Meaning of Listing

The law requires all homekill recreational catch service providers, including dual operator butchers, to be listed with the NZFSA.  The reason for this, among other things, is to enable quick contact with processing businesses in the event of a major disease outbreak like Foot and Mouth Disease.  We have noted that some are advertising that they are ‘approved’ - or similar words - implying that the NZFSA is responsible for processing quality and food safety.  This is not the case and it is misleading to advertise in this way, so please don’t.  It is quite acceptable to simply say that you are listed with the NZFSA, however.    

 Illegal Activity

Several stories were shared with the auditors about those operating as homekill recreational catch service providers who were not listed.  This is illegal and can incur a significant fine if prosecuted - in fact MAF is involved with such a case at the time of writing this letter.  We do not have the resource to track down all illegal activity, but we do try to investigate the complaints made.  Please be assured that we view illegal activity seriously.    

Dual Operator Butchers

• First, the simple reminder to have a clearly visible notice for shop customers stating that ‘Meat and/or fish is       processed here that is not intended for sale’, or similar words.  I personally think words like ‘We process unregulated meat in this building’ give the clear message needed.  
• Second, risk management programmes need to be registered by 1 July 2005 .  The NZFSA is working towards publishing the Dual Operator Butcher Code of Practice by mid-2004.  This will set out detail of what is required, but the key point is to have operational (storing, handling and processing) separation between the regulated material and the homekill material.  

Fees

There was significant complaint about the $105 re-listing fee.  This has now been addressed.  From 1 February 2004 the re-listing fee has been reduced to $56.25 (that is $50 plus GST).

 Should you have any queries regarding annual listing then please contact:

Peter Fairless
Programme Manager (Operations)
Animal Products Group
Phone: (04) 463 2624

There is a website at: www.nzfsa.govt.nz/animalproducts  where further information relating to the Animal Products Act can be found.

 Yours faithfully

 (Signed)

 Victor Walker
Assistant Director (Operations and Communications)
Animal Products Group