Biosecurity import risk analysis: Meat and meat products from ruminants and pigs

For the purposes of this risk analysis, meat includes all edible animal tissues derived from animals that have passed ante- and post-mortem inspection. Generally, muscle tissues of clinically healthy animals presented at slaughter can be considered sterile. However, during slaughter, foodborne pathogens may contaminate the carcass from a variety of sources. Therefore, animals must be slaughtered in a facility approved for export by the Competent Authority and must meet the relevant requirements as set by the Food Act 1981. Consignments of meat imported into New Zealand for human consumption must comply with this Act.

In this risk analysis, the risk management options available for a particular risk organism may include a specified irradiation dose. Alternatively, irradiation may be realistic as an equivalent treatment or processing option.