Dual operator butchers are retail butchers who sell regulated animal products and also process homekill or recreational catch. Find out about the rules for dual operator butchers.
On 1 July 2022, a new set of redesigned animal product regulations and notices came into effect.
The redesign of the animal products regulations and notices aims to make it easier for businesses operating under the Animal Products Act 1999 to find and comply with their requirements.
You're a dual operator butcher (DOB) if you do both of these in the same premises or place:
Our guidance document has more information about the meaning of the words "same premises or place".
Homekill: Activities occurring at the “same premises or place” [PDF, 96 KB]
Preventing cooked or ready-to-eat foods from becoming contaminated by other activities in your shop is your most important food safety activity.
Cross-contamination can happen in several ways, such as when:
Preventing cross-contamination in butcher shops [PDF, 503 KB]
Dual operator butchers must:
Animal Products Act 1999 – NZ Legislation
Animal Product Regulations 2021 – NZ Legislation
Animal Product Notice: Production, Supply and Processing [PDF, 1.9 MB]
Dual operator butchers also need to meet standards under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This applies to all food. Refer to Parts 1 and 2.2.1 for requirements that apply to dual operator butchers.
Food Standards Code – Food Standards Australia New Zealand
To develop a risk management programme (RMP) you can either use the template we've made, or write your own plan.
We've provided a template to help you develop an RMP. You can download this as a PDF or Word document.
Risk management programme template for dual operator butchers [PDF, 437 KB]
Risk management programme template for dual operator butchers [DOCX, 231 KB]
Depending on what your business does, you may also need to also fill out one (or more) of the template attachments.
Attachment U – Listeria management procedures for wholesale butchers who sell ready-to-eat animal products [PDF, 543 KB]
Attachment W – Meat at stalls [PDF, 284 KB]
These documents will help you fill out the template.
Resource manual for the RMP template for dual operator butchers [PDF, 355 KB]
Guidance document: How to use attachment U [PDF, 1.1 MB]
You can choose to write your own RMP, or get a consultant to help you write one.
If you don't use our template, you'll need to get your plan evaluated by a recognised RMP evaluator. You can search for one in the register.
Once you've finished developing your RMP, complete the application form.
Application form AP4: Registration of risk management programme [PDF, 283 KB]
Make sure you tick the box in Section 3 of the form. This makes sure you're added to our register of listed homekill and recreational catch service providers.
Listed homekill and recreational catch service providers
Your RMP needs to be verified by a recognised agency. When you apply to register your RMP, you'll need to include a letter from your chosen agency confirming that they're willing to verify your RMP.
Find a verifier working under the Animal Products Act – New Zealand Food Safety
Homekill and recreational catch meat or game
If you have questions about dual operator butchers, email info@mpi.govt.nz
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