What is the NCRP?
The NCRP is a risk-based sampling and testing programme. It tests for chemical residue and contaminant levels in animals and animal products, including from:
- farmed animals (such as cattle, deer, goats, pigs, and sheep)
- wild animals
- poultry
- honey
- fish.
The programme demonstrates that animal products are not a food safety risk and are suitable for export.
The NCRP is a programme under the Animal Products Act 1999.
How does the NCRP work?
The NCRP has 2 parts: monitoring and surveillance.
Monitoring
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) issues a sampling plan. Randomised samples are taken. Sample types depend on the chemicals being tested.
Surveillance
MPI takes targeted samples where a risk has been found. The risk could be to human or animal health, or to overseas market access.
All samples (from monitoring and surveillance) are tested at recognised laboratories that have ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Laboratories are accredited under the MPI Recognised Laboratory Programme.
Find out about the MPI Recognised Laboratory Programme
What the NCRP tests
The NCRP includes testing for a broad range of chemicals. This includes registered and unregistered agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines, and other contaminants.
NCRP results
MPI publishes anonymised 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 NCRP, email info@mpi.govt.nz
