Primary Processors Notes

Supply of Hunted Animals
MPI has launched a programme to make greater use of hunted animals both for human and animal consumption. The pet food industry will be a big part of this.
The early phase of this programme is for MPI to understand what is stopping the industry from harvesting more – what are the constraints.
They will then move on to how to fix these issues.
All processors of Hunted Animals have been contacted and the summary their feedback has been circulated’
The Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety, the Hon Andrew Hoggard has accepted our invitation to open our conference Thursday 19th February in Christchurch

Animal Status Declarations (ASD)
From 1st October, the new Animal Status Declaration (ASD) became compulsory. The previous Farmed Mammal Supplier Statement – Petfood no longer meets regulatory requirements and has been revoked.
Some processors have found the TB information required in the ASD onerous. Following extensive discussions with MPI Food Regulation and MPI Legal, it has been confirmed that the ASD will not be amended, as it remains a key control for managing one of New Zealand’s most significant animal diseases.
This leaves all pet food primary processors with the task of communication with their suppliers to ensure all staff have the necessary TB testing history and correct NAIT number ready to complete the ASD before any cattle are picked up or transported.

Combined ASD / Ante-mortem Declaration form
A reminder: Although the new Animal Status Declaration (ASD) is compulsory, the Ante-mortem Declaration part of the combined form can be amended should primary processors suggest an improvement.
The current form is here.

Changes to Wild Animal Requirements
MPI are proposing to amalgamate the current approval system suppliers of hunted animals.
The proposal is to amalgamate the register of suppliers for human and animal consumption.
The change will require an amendment to the Animal Products Notice: Production, Supply and Processing (the “PSP Notice”). Therefore, a proposal will be published along with an invitation to make submissions.
Keep an eye out for the invitation to make submission as the Association will be making a submission based on feedback received.

Microbiological Risks in Raw Meat Pet Foods
As mentioned in the last Newsletter MPI have decided to undertake a microbiological survey of raw meat pet foods at retail level.
Terms of Reference, scope, timelines, etc have yet to be developed.
Although the survey will be conducted on product produced by secondary processors, the source of any microbiological issues will be mostly primary processors.Further news will follow.