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A Papakura poultry farm has been shut down, and its operator is likely to face charges, after a multi-agency swoop on two rural properties last week.
New Zealand Food Safety Authority assistant director Justin Rowlands said the operator of the farm had failed to comply with the legal obligation to have a registered risk management programme in place.
This programme outlines the procedures companies use to ensure animal products are fit for their intended purpose.
It also involves identifying the food safety risks in various processes and the company's plan to manage those risks.
During a two-day operation, the authority, backed by police, Environment Waikato, the Franklin District Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry seized and destroyed more than 137,000 eggs, valued at $21,000.
An animal welfare inspection found it necessary to euthanise more than 1100 mainly broiler chickens.
Mr Rowlands said it was essential poultry and eggs were processed, stored and transported using good hygienic practices in order to minimise the presence of illness-causing bacteria.
Although the authority was not aware of any specific food safety complaints about products connected to the operator, compliance with regulations was "vital" to protect public safety.
Mr Rowlands said the operator was warned in early 2007 it needed to develop a risk management programme.
Authorities were working with the occupiers of the two properties to arrange for the removal of the remaining 7500 laying hens and pullets.
The operator was likely to face charges under the Animal Products Act 1999 in relation to operating a poultry slaughter and processing facility without having a risk management programme, and the illegal sale of poultry and eggs.
Charges under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 were also being considered, Mr Rowlands said.
Two people were arrested during the operation for violence offences against police.
The Egg Producer's Federation of New Zealand and the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand welcomed the move.
The operator concerned has never been a member of either organisation, Michael Brooks, the executive director of both, said.
"The activities of this operator drag down the good reputation of both the egg and poultry meat industries in New Zealand."
- NZPA
