What is the Independent Verification Programme (IVP)?
The IVP checks that dairy manufacturers have quality monitoring programmes in place that:
- are appropriate
- are reliable
- can identify non-conformances with the relevant dairy laws.
The programme is used to demonstrate to export markets that New Zealand dairy products are meeting requirements.
The IVP is an official programme under the Animal Products Act 1999 and associated regulations and notices.
Animal Products Act 1999 – NZ Legislation
How does the IVP work?
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) issues a sampling plan. A recognised verifier supervises when the randomised samples are taken. All samples are tested at recognised laboratories that have ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Laboratories are accredited under the MPI Recognised Laboratory Programme (RLP).
Find out about the Recognised Laboratory Programme
What the IVP tests
The IVP tests:
- microbiological food safety
- process hygiene.
IVP results
MPI publishes summary reports with results each year. These have more information about how sampling and testing is done and recent results.
Who to contact
If you have questions about the IVP, email info@mpi.govt.nz
