๐Ÿ“ Auckland, New Zealand โœ‰ info@foodverification.co.nz ๐Ÿ“ž 0221281203
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Risk Management Programme Compliance Support

Risk Management Programme verification is an important requirement for many New Zealand animal product businesses operating under a registered RMP. An RMP is a documented system that explains how a business identifies food safety hazards, controls those hazards, monitors key activities, keeps records and takes corrective action when something goes wrong.

Access Food Verification & Auditing Limited provides Risk Management Programme verification and preparation support for New Zealand businesses, where applicable and within recognised scope.

Who This Service Is For

This service may be suitable for businesses that operate under, or are preparing to operate under, a Risk Management Programme. Examples may include animal product processors, meat processors, seafood processors, dairy processors, egg processors, cold storage and transport operations covered by an RMP, export animal product businesses, businesses preparing for first RMP verification, and businesses needing RMP corrective action support.

What Is RMP Verification?

RMP verification is a check carried out by a recognised verifier to confirm that the business is operating according to its registered Risk Management Programme and meeting applicable legal and regulatory requirements. It may review whether the business is following the registered RMP, managing food safety hazards, keeping required records, following documented procedures, monitoring key controls, taking corrective action when required, managing traceability and recall systems, and meeting applicable export and Overseas Market Access Requirements where relevant.

Export and OMAR Requirements

For businesses exporting animal products, verification may include additional checks related to export eligibility and Overseas Market Access Requirements. Export-related verification may include review of export procedures, product eligibility, market access records, traceability records, batch or lot records, official assurance-related controls, export documentation controls, and relevant OMAR requirements.

Operator Verification

RMP operators are also expected to carry out their own checks to confirm that the RMP is working effectively. Operator verification may include internal audits, record reviews, reality checks, review of corrective actions, review of monitoring results and management review activities. We can support businesses with internal audit planning, operator verification records and preparation for external RMP verification.

Common Issues Found During RMP Verification

  • RMP scope not matching actual activities
  • Missing or incomplete monitoring records
  • HACCP controls not clearly implemented
  • Corrective actions not completed
  • Internal audits not completed
  • Operator verification not documented
  • Validation evidence missing or incomplete
  • Calibration and maintenance records missing
  • Traceability or recall tests not completed
  • Export-related records not available
  • Previous verification findings not followed up
Important Wording: The term "RMP Verification" is only used where this service is within recognised scope. Where recognised scope is not confirmed for a specific activity, we use terminology such as "RMP compliance support", "RMP audit preparation support" or "RMP verification preparation support".

Our Process

Initial Enquiry

We discuss your business activities, RMP status, product type, site details, export status and verification requirements.

Scope Confirmation

We confirm the RMP scope and whether the verification service is within recognised scope.

Verifier Confirmation, Where Required

Where applicable, the verification agency may provide written confirmation that it will verify the RMP on an ongoing basis.

Verification Booking

A verification visit or assessment is scheduled based on business availability, verifier availability and required timeframes.

Document and Record Preparation

Before verification, the business should prepare the registered RMP, procedures, records, previous verification reports and corrective action evidence.

Verification Assessment

The verifier checks whether the business is following the registered RMP, managing hazards, keeping records and meeting applicable requirements.

Verification Outcome

A verification report is issued with the outcome, evidence reviewed, findings and any corrective actions required.

Corrective Actions

If findings are raised, the business must address them within the required timeframe and provide suitable evidence for close-out.

Ongoing Verification Frequency

Future verification frequency depends on the business type, product risk, export status, compliance history and how well the business manages food safety.

Need RMP Verification or Help Preparing for Your Next RMP Verification?

Contact us today for free initial guidance. We can help you understand what records to prepare, what gaps may need attention and the next step for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What is a Risk Management Programme?
A Risk Management Programme, or RMP, is a written programme that describes how an animal product business identifies and controls hazards, monitors controls, keeps records and responds when something goes wrong.
Who may need an RMP?
RMPs are generally required for many animal product processors and some businesses involved in animal material or animal products, depending on the activity and legal requirements.
Can you help develop or review an RMP?
Yes. We can support documentation review, gap assessment, procedure review, record review and audit readiness for businesses operating under or preparing for RMP requirements.
What does RMP compliance support include?
Support may include reviewing procedures, records, HACCP application, supporting systems, verification readiness, corrective actions, traceability and recall systems.
Can you help with RMP corrective actions?
Yes. We can help review findings, identify practical corrective actions, update documentation and prepare evidence for follow-up.
Do RMP businesses need external verification?
Yes, registered RMP operators must arrange verification by an MPI-recognised verifier according to applicable requirements and frequency.
What records should I prepare for RMP verification?
Useful records may include monitoring records, cleaning records, temperature records, calibration records, maintenance records, staff training records, traceability records, corrective actions, internal audits, operator verification records and export records where applicable.
When does the first RMP verification happen?
The first verification normally happens after RMP registration. The timing depends on the type of animal product or operation and applicable requirements.
Do export animal product businesses have extra requirements?
Export businesses may need to meet additional export and OMAR requirements. Verification may include review of export eligibility, traceability and market access records.
Can you verify every type of RMP?
RMP verification can only be provided where the service is within recognised scope. We will confirm the applicable scope before starting work.