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What is a Dairy RMP and Who Needs One?

April 2007

Background

The Animal Products Act 1999 (APA) requires animal products that are used and traded to be “fit for intended purpose”.

A Risk Management Programme (RMP) is a document that describes how products will be processed to meet the requirements of the APA. It details how the operator will ensure the products they sell are safe, wholesome and truthfully labelled.

Who needs an RMP for processing dairy?

All dairy operators are subject to legislation, either the APA or the Food Act. To determine if you need an RMP for processing dairy, consider the following:

• are you a dairy farm operator?

• will you be manufacturing, storing or transporting dairy product for export beyond Australia?

• will you be producing dairy material or product for animal consumption?

• will you be producing technical grade dairy product as well as dairy material or product for human or animal consumption?

If you have answered YES to any of these questions, you are likely to need an RMP for processing dairy products. However, there are some exceptions to these requirements. For further information refer to link: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/dairy/publications/information-pamphlets/rmp/index.htm

How do I develop an RMP for processing dairy?

You can develop an RMP from scratch, or base it on NZFSA approved codes of practice, templates or models (where available). RMPs must address the animal materials and products used, the processes performed, and the product range produced.

What do I need to include in an RMP for processing dairy?

RMPs need to include the following:

• scope – description of the dairy material, product name or type, and its intended purpose

• authorities – the identity and responsibilities of people involved in monitoring, corrective action and operator verification activities

• product outcomes – expected outcomes for each dairy product and the actions the operator will take if outcomes are not met

• processes – every process or operation carried out, including inputs, outputs and rework (where applicable)

• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) – systems to ensure the GMP is applied and that managers and staff know what to do

• Hazard Analysis and Control – hazard analysis (human and animal health), control measures applied, monitoring, corrective action and verification

• control of other risk factors – identification and control of any risks to wholesomeness or from false/misleading labelling

• documentation and record keeping – record keeping systems, including process for tracking RMP updates and archive procedures

• verification – operator verification procedures and rights for independent third party verifiers.

The RMP development and registration process

Before operating, an RMP must be registered with NZFSA. The following table outlines the process for developing and registering an RMP.

Process Step	Tasks	Responsibility	Resources
1. DEVELOPMENT	Design and develop the RMP Gather evidence to prove RMP is effective Contract verification services	Operator	Dairy RMP Specifications Dairy Processing Specifications Approved Criteria Guidance material RMP Manual (other than dairy)
2. EVALUATION	Hire an NZFSA recognised evaluator	Operator	Dairy RMP Specifications Dairy Recognised Agency and Person Specifications
	Evaluate the RMP and report on its validity	NZFSA recognised Evaluator
3. REGISTRATION	Apply for RMP registration with NZFSA	Operator	Dairy RMP Specifications Animal Products Act, Part 2 NZFSA website forms
	RMP registration assessment	NZFSA
	Notification of RMP registration	NZFSA
	Post key information on the public register	NZFSA
4. OPERATION	Implement the registered RMP Operational duties Operator verification Make significant amendments when needed	Operator	Dairy RMP Specifications Animal Products Act, Part 2 NZFSA website forms
5. INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION	Independent verification	NZFSA recognised Verifier	Dairy Recognised Agency and Person Specifications Approved Criteria

How long does the registration process take?

To register a new RMP you will need to allow 10 working days from the time it is received by the NZFSA. During the registration process the NZFSA often has further questions to be answered by the operator. A quick response from the operator will ensure that any extension to this time is minimised. The time needed to develop a RMP is really up to the operator and the resources they have available to them.

Where can I get further information?

For more information on the processing of dairy products, please visit: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/dairy/index.htm

For further background information, refer to the RMP Manual for Animal Product Processing Excluding Dairy: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/animalproducts/publications/manualsguides/rmp/rmp-manual/rmp-manual.pdf

RMP help desk

Not sure if you need an RMP or want to progress your RMP application? Contact approvals@nzfsa.govt.nz

Disclaimer:

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.