New Zealand's ruminant protein regulations are under review to protect the country's NZD 4.9 billion beef export sector.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said the review of the Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 focuses on preventing BSE 'mad cow disease' entering New Zealand's cattle through contaminated feed.
New Zealand has never recorded a case of BSE in its cattle herds, and maintaining that status underpins the country's recognition by the World Organisation for Animal Health as a negligible-risk nation.
The review aims to address issues around cross-contamination: products intended for feeding to ruminants, such as cattle, becoming contaminated with ruminant tissue that may contain prion diseases; and accidental exposure, where products not intended to be fed to ruminants but containing animal protein are accidentally eaten by ruminants.
"Getting this right is critical to maintaining our trade access, and that's never been more important than right now," said Hoggard.
"These regulations help ensure international markets remain open to New Zealand beef."
MPI is seeking views on the review of the regulations. In particular, it wants feedback on the identified issues, a better understanding of who would be affected, how, and the solutions available to resolve them. Submissions received from this consultation will help guide MPI on which solutions are feasible for resolving the issues.
MPI's review determined the regulations need amendments to:
- meet international standards and best practices
- be clear, up-to-date, and fit-for-purpose.
The consultation runs from the 28th of April to the 12th of June.
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