How to register
To register in the National Microbiological Database programme you need to fill out an NMD demographic form with:
- contact details for your premises
- information about the lab that does your testing
- details of animal processing.
You need to complete a separate form for each animal type.
Find the NMD demographic form for your animal type
Email your completed form to the NMD administrator at nmd@mpi.govt.nz
What you need to do once you have registered
Make sure you:
- know your legal responsibilities
- keep your demographic details up to date
- use only authorised individuals and organisations for NMD activities
- know 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 Product Notice: National Microbiological Database Programme [PDF, 717 KB]
You should contact the NMD team if you are unsure what you need to do. Send an email to nmd@mpi.govt.nz
Subscribe to MPI notifications to be informed of any changes.
Salmonella Performance Standards
If you process red meat animals and meat chickens you must meet the Salmonella Performance Standard (SPS). Check what you need to do in the NMD Notice under:
- section 3.28 for red meat
- section 4.16 for chickens.
Meat Industry Microbiological Methods
The Meat Industry Microbiological Methods (MIMM) is material incorporated by reference into the NMD notice as a standard work of reference.
Meat Industry Micro Manual – AgResearch
You can request access to the MIMM free of charge by emailing MPI at RLP@mpi.govt.nz.
Maintain your demographic details
It's your responsibility to make sure your demographic information is kept up to date. You must submit an updated form within 7 working days of any change in your details.
Use the right methods, people, and organisations
There are strict rules about the responsibilities and relationships between the operator, the laboratory, and sample takers that perform tasks under the NMD programme. These are described in the NMD Notice under "Part 2: Requirements applying to both red meat and poultry".
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 C2 of the production, supply and processing notice to find out the rules.
Animal Product Notice: Production, Supply and Processing [PDF, 2.6 MB]
Finding qualified sample takers
The operator must make sure that only NMD level 1 samplers or NMD level 2 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 computer before you use it. You'll need to have macros enabled in Excel.
NMD random sampling macro spreadsheet [XLS, 59 KB]
Finding a recognised laboratory
The operator must make sure the laboratory they use is recognised by MPI for the particular testing required in the NMD Notice.
Use this register to find a recognised laboratory. Select "Animal Products Laboratory" as the recognition function.
Recognised Agencies, Persons and Laboratories
Monitoring performance
It's helpful to keep an eye on how the whole industry is performing against the national microbiological standards. If you take part in the NMD programme you must review your NMD data. 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.
Apply for a password to view national profiles
Who to contact
If you have questions about the NMD email info@mpi.govt.nz
