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High interest in Domestic Food Review leads to workshops

04 November 2004

New Zealand’s first comprehensive review of the government’s role in the domestic food sector has generated a great deal of interest. With the demand for more information, six workshops throughout New Zealand have been planned for early December.

“We’re delighted at the level of interest,” says NZFSA Executive Director Andrew McKenzie. “Retailers, growers, farmers and manufacturers have all taken interest. So too have local authorities, transport and storage operators, industry associations and health professionals. The first print run of the Domestic Food Review discussion document has been distributed and we are well into distributing dozens more to those who have asked for hard copies. Hundreds of others have downloaded the documents from the NZFSA website at www.nzfsa.govt.nz.”

The workshops in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and Napier will provide those attending with answers to queries, clarify concepts and approaches, and provide a forum for open discussion of issues.

“If you are involved in any kind of food production, preparation, handling or delivery then it could be critical for you to have a say. I encourage everyone involved in the New Zealand food industry to attend one of these workshops if you can or, at the very least, have a look at the discussion papers to see if you feel you need to make a submission.”

The ultimate aim of the review is to improve food safety for consumers and ensure that those selling food are responsible for its safety, says Andrew McKenzie.

“Decisions made as a result of the review have the potential to affect every food producer and seller in New Zealand – from large factories to corner dairies, restaurants and takeaways.

“At present, food requirements are administered under five different Acts of Parliament. For example, under the current system a manufacturing business may have to do different things in the same factory when processing different products to achieve the same food safety outcome, and a business with stores throughout New Zealand may have to meet different local standards in different regions.

“NZFSA is looking for a system that allows food businesses to have the option of running one comprehensive programme that meets all the relevant food safety requirements, thus making it easier for such businesses to comply with the law.”

The first phase of public consultation is now underway. NZFSA is inviting submissions on four papers which propose changes to the way the New Zealand food supply is regulated. A fifth is to be released later in the year and will look at cost recovery.

The concept papers cover four subjects:

• introduction and context

• regulatory roles, responsibilities and structures

• proposed food control plans

• implementation of food control plans.

Submissions for the first four papers are currently set to close on 31 December 2004.

Current papers are available on the NZFSA website (www.nzfsa.govt.nz) or by calling the NZFSA hotline: 0800 NZFSA 1 (0800 693 721).

Workshop dates and times

NZFSA welcomes all to the Domestic Food Review workshops, and would appreciate an indication of numbers to ensure the venues are large enough. Please RSVP to: rebecca.martin@nzfsa.govt.nz, phone (04) 463 3400.

The dates and venues are:

Auckland: Wed 1 Dec, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Crowne Plaza (Elliott Room), 128 Albert Street

Auckland: Wed 1 Dec, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Crowne Plaza (Elliott Room), 128 Albert Street

Christchurch: Thu 2 Dec, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Airport Gateway Motor Lodge (Pohutakawa Room), 45 Roydvale Ave

Dunedin: Fri 3 Dec, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. Southern Cross Hotel, Cnr Princes and High Streets

Wellington: Mon 6 Dec, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. NZFSA, Level 7, South Tower, 86 Jervois Quay

Napier: Tue 7 Dec, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm. Food & Wine Visitor Centre, EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus, Taradale

Ends

For further comment contact: Andrew McKenzie, Executive Director.

Tel: 04-463 2502 or 021 430 187.

For further information contact: Diane Robinson, Senior Communications Adviser:

Tel: 04 463 2528 or 021 193 6405