NZ Moves to Tighten Feed Rules to Safeguard $4.9 Billion Beef Export Industry

The beef sector remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s primary industries, supporting thousands of jobs across farming, processing, and export logistics.

New Zealand is set to review and strengthen its long-standing ruminant protein regulations in a bid to protect its globally significant $4.9 billion beef export sector and maintain its prized disease-free status, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has announced.

The review of the Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 comes amid heightened global sensitivity around food safety and biosecurity risks, particularly the threat of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)—commonly known as "mad cow disease."

"Preventing BSE from ever entering New Zealand remains a top priority," Mr Hoggard said. "Our regulations are a critical line of defence, ensuring contaminated feed does not pose a risk to our cattle herds."

Protecting a Disease-Free Reputation

New Zealand remains one of the few countries in the world to have never recorded a case of BSE, a status that underpins its international reputation and access to premium export markets.

This clean record has earned New Zealand a "negligible risk" classification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), a designation that plays a crucial role in securing trade agreements and maintaining buyer confidence in key markets such as the United States, China, and the European Union.

Industry analysts note that even a single confirmed case of BSE could trigger immediate trade restrictions, potentially costing the economy billions and damaging the country's reputation for decades.

Focus on Feed Chain Risks

The review will focus on strengthening safeguards against two key risk areas within the animal feed supply chain:

• Cross-contamination: where feed intended for cattle becomes unintentionally mixed with ruminant-derived protein that may carry prion diseases

• Accidental exposure: where cattle consume feed products not designed for them but containing animal protein

"These are low-probability but high-impact risks," Mr Hoggard said. "Even minor gaps in the system could have serious consequences if not addressed."

Experts highlight that prion diseases like BSE are uniquely resilient, capable of surviving standard feed processing methods and persisting in the environment, making strict controls essential.

Adapting to Modern Supply Chains

Since the regulations were first introduced in 1999, the agricultural and feed manufacturing sectors have evolved significantly. Increased complexity in supply chains, diversified feed products, and changing farming practices have created new challenges that the current framework must adapt to.

The review is expected to consider updated compliance measures, improved traceability systems, and clearer rules around feed production, storage, and transport to minimise contamination risks.

"Ensuring our regulatory settings keep pace with modern farming and manufacturing practices is essential," Mr Hoggard said.

Trade Access at Stake

With global demand for high-quality, safe beef continuing to grow, maintaining strict biosecurity standards is seen as non-negotiable for New Zealand's export-driven economy.

"Getting this right is critical to maintaining our trade access—and that's never been more important than it is today," Mr Hoggard emphasised. "These regulations give our trading partners confidence that New Zealand beef meets the highest safety standards."

The beef sector remains a cornerstone of New Zealand's primary industries, supporting thousands of jobs across farming, processing, and export logistics.

Industry Engagement and Next Steps

The Government is expected to work closely with farmers, feed manufacturers, veterinarians, and exporters as part of the review process, ensuring that any changes are both effective and practical to implement.

Stakeholders are likely to be consulted on potential updates, including stricter separation protocols, enhanced auditing requirements, and improved education around feed handling risks.

The outcome of the review will play a key role in shaping New Zealand's biosecurity framework for the next decade, reinforcing its position as a trusted global supplier of safe, high-quality beef.