New Zealand  -  Hygiene standards  -  Food safety statement  -  Classification

Sheep and cattle in New Zealand are reared in the fresh open outdoors on a diet of abundant green grass. A pasture-based diet is the natural diet for sheep and cattle. The high rainfall, rich soils and gentle climate mild winters and long, warm summers allow animals to live outdoors all year round. Food supplements common elsewhere in the world are unnecessary in New Zealand, as grass is available all year round.

Major animal diseases are unknown in New Zealand. It's a combination of the country's geographic isolation and strict quarantine laws that have contributed to New Zealand's unique herd health record. Never has there been a case of foot and mouth disease or BSE in New Zealand. This can be attributed to constant monitoring of livestock health by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the strict adherence to a pasture based diet

This means that New Zealand beef and lamb products are lean, nutrient-rich and free of unwanted substances and harmful residues.