Assessment of the RMP

1. Validation of the RMP
2. Review and revision of the RMP
3. Evaluation/verification of the RMP
4. Verification Access - Allowing verifiers to carry out verification functions and activities

1. Validation of the RMP

The Contract Manager ensures that the RMP is validated:

  • At least annually, prior to the annual assessment by NZFSA, and
  • Following all significant changes.

by a person who meets the minimum requirements specified below.

This validation ensures that the RMP:
  • Is complete,
  • Demonstrates how the legislative and regulatory requirements are complied with, and
  • Can be implemented as documented.
The Contract Manager has the RMP validated by a person who meets the following minimum requirements:
  • Has relevant dairy industry knowledge or experience,
  • Has successfully completed an NZQA-approved auditing qualification, or equivalent, and
  • Has practical experience in writing and implementing RMPs.
Where the RMP has been developed or revised by company staff and is validated by company staff, the Contract Manager demonstrates that there are no conflicts of interest.

2. Review and revision of the RMP

The Contract Manager ensures that the RMP is reviewed:

  • On an ongoing basis, so that it is current and valid at all times.
  • Following a critical non-compliance, and
  • Formally, at least annually, prior to verification by NZFSA.
The RMP is revised when:
  • A review identifies that the existing RMP requires amendment, or
  • There is a significant change to the operation.
The RMP is a controlled document, with page and version numbers. All amendments must be clearly identified.

3. Evaluation/verification of the RMP

The Contract Manager submits the evaluated RMP to NZFSA for registration:

  • Following any significant changes to the RMP.
  • Registration of the RMP will be done within 3 months of NZFSA approval.
  • Within 3 years for re-registration.
The Contract Manager is responsible for addressing any non-compliances raised by NZFSA, within the agreed timeframe. NZL Group will run regular assessment of the RMP by the following manner:
  • At least annually by the designated external provider.

4. Verification Access - Allowing verifiers to carry out verification functions and activities

Taking into account the duties imposed on an operator under section 16(1)(e) of the Act and the requirement in section 17(4) of the Act, a risk management programme must include provisions allowing recognised risk management programme verifiers to have the freedom of access to carry out their verification functions and activities, including provisions allowing —

  • Such freedom to access premises, places, or facilities covered by a risk management programme as is necessary to enable a recognised risk management programme verifier to carry out his or her functions and activities; and
  • Such access to documents, records, and information that relate to a risk management programme as is necessary to enable a recognised risk management programme verifier to carry out his or her functions and activities; and
  • Such access to things (including containers and packages) that are used in connection with producing and processing animal material and animal products under a risk management programme as is necessary to enable a recognised risk management programme verifier to carry out his or her functions and activities; and
  • Such access to animal material, animal product, equipment, packages, containers, and other associated things used in processing animal material and animal product under a risk management programme as is necessary to enable a recognised risk management programme verifier to carry out his or her functions and activities (including identifying and marking any of those things); and
  • Such freedom to examine and take samples (for the purpose of analysis or retention) of animal material, animal product, or any other outputs, substance, or associated thing which has been, is, or may be used in contact with, or in the vicinity of animal material or animal product being produced or processed under a risk management programme as is necessary to enable a recognised risk management programme verifier to carry out his or her functions and activities.
By way of explanation, in the case of a significant risk to the fitness for intended purpose of animal product or suitability of animal material for processing, a recognised risk management programme verifier may —
  • Recommend to the operator that processing under the risk management programme be temporarily interrupted; and
  • Recommend to the operator that any affected animal product that may not, or no longer, be fit for its intended purpose be detained; and
  • Recommend to an Animal Product Officer that the officer exercises his or her powers of interruption of operations under section 89 of the Act which (in the case only of the powers under section 89(b) and (c)) may be exercised by the Animal Product Officer over the phone if he or she considers that appropriate.