From 29 June 2016 to 10 August 2016 the Ministry for Primary industries (MPI) invites comments on proposed changes to the National Microbiological Database (NMD) specifications.

The NMD programme for red meat and poultry primary processing defines specific protocols, including:
-training of samplers
-collection of samples
-laboratory procedures
-review and response to results by operators.

The routine data gathering from this sampling programme enables operators to ensure their processing meets microbiological targets to ensure safe food production.

The intention is for the Notice to be finalised after consultation and issued on 22 August 2016 coming into effect from 3 October 2016 (at the beginning of the NMD fourth quarter 2016), with some interim provisions until 12 December 2016 for those participating for the first time, or for those where new sampling criteria are specified in the NMD sampling programme.

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations/mpi-proposed-changes-to-the-national-microbiological-database-nmd-notice-2016/