Requirements for the National Microbiological Database (NMD) programme
After you've registered for the National Microbiological Database (NMD) programme, you must meet these requirements.
What you need to do
Make sure you:
- know your legal responsibilities
- keep your demographic details up-to-date
- use only authorised individuals and organisations for NMD activities
- are aware of how the industry is performing
Know your legal responsibilities
The legal requirements that you need to meet are in the NMD Notice. Make sure your processing operation complies with the most recent NMD Notice.
- Animal Products (Specifications for National Microbiological Database Programme) Notice [PDF, 1.2 MB]
If you are unsure what you need to do under the NMD programme, contact the NMD team immediately:
Salmonella performance standards
If you process red meat animals (bobby calves, cattle, goats, emus and ostriches) and meat chickens you must meet the Salmonella Performance Standard (SPS). Check what you need to do in the NMD Notice under:
- section 3.21 for red meat
- section 4.13 for chickens.
Maintain your demographic details
It's your responsibility to make sure the demographic information you provided to MPI when you registered in the NMD is kept up-to-date. You must submit an updated form within 7 working days of any change in your details.
- Find the right demographic form for the animals you process
- Read more about registering in the NMD programme
Use the right methods, people, and organisations
There are strict rules about the methods used, and people and organisations that perform tasks under the NMD programme.
Handling NMD products
If you handle products for the NMD programme, there are rules relating to your health. These are to prevent disease or contamination near the products. Read part 4 of the Specifications for Products Intended for Human Consumption Notice to find out the rules.
- Animal Products Notice: Specifications for Products Intended for Human Consumption [PDF, 2.7 MB]
- Quick reference table for old and new clause numbering [PDF, 131 KB]
Finding qualified sample takers
The operator must make sure that only NMD certified trainers or NMD approved samplers take samples for the NMD programme.
Use these registers to find qualified NMD sample takers:
Selecting random sampling times
NMD sample times must be randomly selected to ensure all processing scenarios are covered. Use the NMD random sampling spreadsheet to randomly select sampling times. You can select times each processing week, or for a number of weeks in advance.
Open the spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, then save it in your own system before you use it. You'll need to make sure you have macros enabled in Excel.
- NMD random sampling macro spreadsheet [XLS, 69 KB]
Contact us if you need help using the spreadsheet.
Analysing NMD samples
You must use a laboratory recognised by MPI for NMD testing. Recognised labs are listed in the Recognised Laboratory Programme (RLP) laboratory register.
The analytical methods that must be used are in the NMD Notice.
Be aware of performance
You need to be aware of how industry is performing in terms of national microbiological standards. In addition to reviewing your own NMD data, as required in the NMD Notice, you can also check your performance against the National Profiles.
Note: National profiles are password-protected as they may contain market-sensitive material. If you're involved with the NMD, apply for a password through the overseas market access requirements (OMAR) online application form.
Keep up to date
It's important to keep up to date with any new or revised NMD information, including requirements, consultations, strategies and other content changes. Subscribe to receive important updates relevant to the NMD.