Primary Processors Notes

MPI Verification Services Audit Issues
The Association is aware of growing concern around inconsistent and sometimes unpredictable audit comments from MPI VS auditors during routine PBV audits.
There appears to be increasing variation in interpretation of requirements across businesses. MPI VS has long acknowledged challenges with “calibration” of auditors, and the Association has raised this issue directly with them.
If you have concerns or examples to share, please contact us at info@petfoodnz.co.nz.

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 The previous Farmed Mammal Supplier Statement – Petfood no longer meets regulatory requirements and has been revoked.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 Form
The ASD/Ante-mortem Declaration combined form is now available on the website and in use. Based on industry feedback, the ante-mortem declaration page has been updated to provide more space and improve usability. The revised form has been republished and can be accessed online.

Changes to Wild Animal Requirements
MPI are proposing to integrate the current approval system for hunters of wild animals for petfood use into the existing certification system for human consumption suppliers.

Key advantages include:

• Petfood processors would no longer need to maintain a list of “approved suppliers”

• Petfood processors would no longer need to re-approve suppliers every two years. Re-approval is proposed to be three years as is current under the HC system).

• The Association would no longer need to maintain and provide the Training Booklet, exam and model answers.

• Training would be on-line and run by MPI VS but is “open book” and assistance from petfood processors can continue.

• There would be a list of suppliers on-line and public.

• Suppliers could provide hunted animals to either HC or petfood processes without separate approval by each processor.

Potential drawbacks:

• There would be a charge of $400 every three years for MPI VS to provide the test.

• If the fee is a charge to the hunter, it may lead to a reduction in number of part-time hunters.

This change will require amendments to the Animal Products Notice: Production, Supply and Processing (PSP Notice). A formal proposal and invitation for submissions will be issued soon.