Risk management programme or $16,000 fine

A chicken farmer in New Zealand has been fined $16,000 because he did not have a risk management programme in place.

The Levin poultry farmer pleaded guilty at the District Court to 3 charges under the Animal Products Act.

During 2006 and 2007 he slaughtered, processed and sold up to 350 birds a week. This, according to New Zealand law, is illegal under the Animal Products Act, which requires all chicken slaughterhouses and egg producers with more than 100 female birds to have a risk management programme.

The risk management programme is designed to ensure the final product is fit for consumption.