Debate Over Definition of Animal By-Products Waste Sparks Controversy

On 5 November 2024, New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) released a consultation paper which sets out proposed revisions to standards for the production, supply and processing of animal products. The public and relevant stakeholders are invited to provide feedback by December 10, 2024. The main contents of this revision include:

A new definition of "waste" has been added to the existing standard, which refers to those animal products that are unfit for human consumption. The document also introduces the concept of "denaturation" to describe the sensory properties of meat that are not suitable for human or animal consumption. In addition, the amendments include updating the definition of "post-mortem inspection procedures" in chapters 6, 7 and 8 of the Meat Code of Practice to ensure that these procedures are clearer and more specific.

(2) Some substitutions of terms are proposed in the proposed amendments. For example, the term "farmed mammals" will be replaced by "farmed red meat animals," while "hunted mammals" will be simplified to "hunted animals." These changes are intended to make the standard more precise and easier to understand.

(3) In order to verify the effectiveness of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) program for dairy products, the revised proposal requires that the relevant testing must be carried out by a laboratory accredited to ISO 17025, unless specifically specified, in which case the testing must be carried out by a laboratory accredited by APA (Australian Accreditation Body). In addition, bismuth testing will be added to raw milk to ensure the safety of the product.

(4) In the area of meat inspection, the revised proposal adds a declaration requirement on whether an animal has been vaccinated against Johne's disease. In addition, a declaration is required as to whether treatment with an antimicrobial agent has been used for the purpose of promoting growth or increasing yield. These measures are aimed at improving the safety and transparency of meat products.

(5) For the bivalve processing industry, the revised proposal adds the requirement that processors must attach a shellfish harvest declaration before processing. In addition, shellfish containers must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to ensure hygiene and safety. At the same time, the frequency of coliform testing of shellfish purified circulating water will be reduced from once a week to once a month to reduce the burden on processors while ensuring product safety.

These are the main elements of the revised standards for the production, supply and processing of animal products proposed in the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) consultation paper. The public and relevant stakeholders can submit their feedback via the contact details provided to help further refine these standards.