What feed and fertiliser needs to be labelled
Producers, retailers, and distributors must make sure feed and fertiliser that contains (or may contain) ruminant protein has this wording on the label:
"Notice: Do not feed to sheep, cattle, deer, goats, buffaloes, or other ruminant animals. This product contains or may contain ruminant protein."
What feed doesn't need to be labelled
Packaged pet food for cats and dogs that contains ruminant protein doesn't need the ruminant protein label.
You don't need the label on animal feed without ruminant protein if it's made in a facility that:
- has a ruminant protein control programme (RPCP) and uses dedicated equipment for ruminant feed to prevent cross-contamination
- doesn't use or store products containing ruminant protein.
Find out about ruminant protein control programmes
How to label feed and fertiliser
Place the label permanently on the:
- front of a feed or fertiliser package (just below the top), or
- container (not on the top or bottom), or
- invoice, waybill, or document if you're selling bulk feed or fertiliser.
Labels must be obvious and easy to read
Labels must be obvious and clear, and must last the lifetime of the product.
The label must:
- have text at least 20mm high, or
- occupy at least 2.5% of the total area of the:
- outside of a flattened package
- container (excluding the top and bottom), or
- printed side of an invoice, waybill, or document.
Who to contact
If you have questions about labelling feed and fertilisers that contain ruminant protein, email info@mpi.govt.nz
