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Animal products: definition and examples

All animal products, edible and non-edible, are derived from animal material that has been processed, whether for consumption or for other uses. Inedible animal products include hides, skins, feathers and wool.

Animal material includes any live or dead animal, or anything that has come from an animal. Animals are mammals, birds, finfish, shellfish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and invertebrates. Animals in this context do not include humans.

Examples of animal products

Some examples of animal products are:

• meat, game and game trophies

• animal feed and pet food

• rendered products, for example tallow, meat and bone meal

• casings

• seafood including finfish and shellfish

• milk and other dairy products

• eggs

• honey and other bee products

• feathers, hides, fur skins, pelts and wool

• pharmaceuticals made from animal products.

For the full definition and description of animal products, please refer to the animal products legislation.

Legislation for animal products

Scope of the Animal Products Act

The requirements of the Animal Products Act 1999, (and subsequent amendments) apply principally to animal material and animal products that are intended for human or animal consumption.

Dairy products have been covered under the Animal Products Act since 2005. This was in order to standardise the regulatory requirements that applied to all animal products. At the operational level, there remain some differences between the requirements for the dairy industry and the other animal products industries.

The roles of NZFSA and MAF

NZFSA certifies exports of animal products. For live animal exports, see MAF.

Exporting animals and animal products – MAF Biosecurity NZ website

Contact

Please include your geographical region so we can direct your enquiry to the correct person.

export.animalproducts@nzfsa.govt.nz

Last updated 8 February 2009