RMPs for poultry processors
Primary processors of poultry must operate under a registered RMP.
Secondary processors must operate under an RMP if they:
- need to have an official assurance to export their products, or
- choose to operate under an RMP.
You don't need an RMP if you:
- are a primary processor of muttonbirds
- farm poultry for meat (except for chicken producers)
- are a secondary processor of poultry under the Food Act 2014 – unless you're exporting with an official assurance, in which case you'll need an RMP.
For the full list of exemptions refer to:
Animal Product Regulations 2021
Your RMP must be approved and registered by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before you start processing.
Developing your RMP
You can base your poultry RMP on either:
- the poultry processing code of practice and draft RMP model (below), or
- you can write your own, using the RMP manual as a guide.
Risk management programme manual [PDF, 2.1 MB]
About risk management programmes
Poultry generic RMP
Primary processors of poultry can use the generic RMP developed by MPI and the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ) as a base for your RMP. This model uses broilers as an example. If you process other types of poultry, you'll need to adapt it to suit.
Guidance and generic RMP for slaughter and dressing of broilers [PDF, 644 KB]
Poultry processing code of practice (COP)
The poultry processing COP assists poultry operators to comply with Animal Products Act requirements, and examples of how to meet them.
If you follow the COP in your RMP, you don't need to add anything to your RMP. However, if you want to use different procedures than the COP, you need to include these in your RMP and get it registered. If procedures you add are significantly different, you may need to get your RMP evaluated before it can be registered.
Code of practice – Processing of poultry – Part 1: Overview
Operational code – Processing of poultry – Part 2: Good operating practice
Hazard and critical control points (HACCP) plan
Some export countries might require you to have a HACCP plan. You can use a generic HACCP plan as a guide for developing your own. You will need to customise your HACCP plan to your specific product, process, and premises. You also need to ensure that your HACCP plan includes any overseas market requirements.
You can use the generic HACCP to develop your own.
Generic HACCP plan for slaughter, dressing, portioning, and deboning chicken (broilers) [PDF, 267 KB]
RMP evaluations
You may need to get your RMP evaluated by a recognised evaluator.
Your RMP won't need to be evaluated if you use the COP.
If you have changed the COP or written your own RMP, evaluation is required. You must hire an RMP evaluator to do this.
Find an evaluator working under the Animal Products Act
Register your RMP
Your RMP needs to be registered with MPI before you can start operating. This applies whether or not your RMP needs to be evaluated. Apply for registration of the RMP using Application Form AP4. Include the evaluation report, if it's needed. Use Form AP49 to identify the scope of your RMP.
AP4 – Registration of RMP [PDF, 305 KB]
AP49 – Processing categories tables [PDF, 370 KB]
Application guidelines for approvals under the Animal Products Act [PDF, 152 KB]
Get your RMP verified
Once the RMP is registered, you must get it checked by an MPI-recognised verifier. They will check the RMP has been implemented effectively. Further verification visits will be done annually, or more frequently if needed.
Find a verifier working under the Animal Products Act
Who to contact
If you have questions about RMPs for poultry processing, email info@mpi.govt.nz
