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Review of the Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999

Update: 29 September 2026

Summary of submissions released

Following the consultation that closed on 12 June 2026, we have released the summary of submissions.

Summary of submissions [PDF, 430 KB]

Consultation background

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) reviewed the Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 under the Biosecurity Act 1993. The regulations set rules to prevent outbreaks of prion diseases (such as mad cow disease) in animals and to prevent and manage the risk of the diseases spreading to humans.

MPI's review determined the regulations need amendments to:

  • meet international standards and best practices
  • be clear, up-to-date, and fit-for-purpose.

MPI sought your views on the review of the regulations. In particular, we wanted your feedback on the issues we identified and to get a better understanding of who would be affected, how, and what solutions there are to resolve the issues. Submissions received from this consultation helped guide MPI on what solutions are feasible to resolve the issues.

This consultation closed on 12 June 2026.

Consultation document

Ruminant protein regulations discussion document [PDF, 1.6 MB]

Related information

Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 – NZ Legislation

What’s being consulted on

We found several areas where we could see an opportunity to improve the system for preventing and managing prion diseases.

The specific areas for feedback included:

  • cross-contamination during manufacturing
  • storage and transportation
  • how to deal with suspect animals
  • pet food
  • fertiliser and wastes containing ruminant proteins.

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 to 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

Our privacy commitment

The Privacy Act 2020 applies to all submissions. Any personal information you provide will be used only for the purpose of informing this consultation. All submissions will be read by MPI staff. MPI may also use artificial intelligence (AI) to summarise content and identify key themes. All AI outputs will be subject to human review.

To find out about the personal information we collect, our approach to privacy and security, and your rights, refer to this web page: Privacy and security