These are the food safety requirements for primary poultry processors – those who slaughter and dress poultry.
On 1 July 2022, a new set of redesigned animal product regulations and notices came into effect.
The redesign of the animal products regulations and notices aims to make it easier for businesses operating under the Animal Products Act 1999 to find and comply with their requirements.
If you slaughter and dress poultry (primary processing) you must:
You must also comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Standard 2.2.1: Meat and Meat Products has requirements for the poultry industry. You'll also need to comply with the general food standards in Chapter 1.
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
Your risk management programme (RMP) could be based on the poultry processing code of practice or operational code.
Code of Practice: Processing of poultry – Part 1: Overview [PDF, 99 KB]
Operational Code: Processing of poultry – Part 2: Good operating practice [PDF, 1.8 MB]
Risk management programmes for poultry food safety
A verifier will regularly visit your business to check you are following your RMP. Only the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is recognised to do this for the poultry sector.
Find a verifier working under the Animal Products Act
Besides RMPs, you need to follow other food safety requirements if you are a primary processor of poultry or poultry products. They are requirements under the Animal Products Act 1999.
If you process food for human consumption, you must meet requirements that apply in the notice.
Animal Product Notice: Production, Supply and Processing [PDF, 2.3 MB]
If you make pet food or animal feed, extra requirements apply to your business.
Find out about manufacturing pet food, animal feed, and supplements
If you're processing poultry for human or animal consumption, you must also meet the minimum requirements for ante- and post-mortem examination. This covers examination of your birds for diseases and defects before and after slaughter.
Animal Product Notice: Production, Supply and Processing [PDF, 2.3 MB]
If you're a primary processor of poultry, you must participate in the National Microbiological Database (NMD) testing programme and provide the results to the NMD.
National Microbiological Database (NMD) programme
If you have questions about food safety in poultry processing, email info@mpi.govt.nz
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