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Bring a plate still on menu, says NZFSA

10 December 2004

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority has moved quickly to again allay concerns that the traditional Kiwi “bring-a-plate” function is under threat.

Fears that the Authority’s Domestic Food Review – a comprehensive review of the Government’s role in the domestic food sector – could see bring-a-plate gatherings end for good have been quashed by Carole Inkster, NZFSA’s Director of Policy.

Speaking at one of the many public workshops held throughout the country to explain the review and developments to date, Carole Inkster told the audience: “The purpose of the Domestic Food Review is to develop a programme for the future that protects consumers, minimises compliance costs and ensures New Zealand’s vital food industry is positioned for the enormous growth we all expect to see over the next twenty years. Bring-a-plate functions do not involve sale of food and are therefore not part of the review at all.”

However fundraisers, where food is sold for public consumption, such as sausage sizzles, school galas, community fairs and gate sales, will come under scrutiny. These have been covered by the Food Act for the past 25 years and are within the scope of the review. New Zealand issues around 10,000 one-off permits for food ‘events’ such so these every year so they are an important part of New Zealand life.

“We want to see as little regulatory intervention as is possible, especially in areas like this that are icons of Kiwiana, but, at the same time, we want to ensure risks to the public are minimised,” says Carole.

“We also recognise that it is the community itself that must help us to make decisions about what is acceptable. At the moment, we do not see sausage sizzles, school galas and the like as being high risk, but we will be hoping to hear from a wide range of New Zealand groups and individuals on how they consider we should manage this issue.”

“That’s why we welcome comments and suggestions on the review. We want to hear the views and listen to the ideas from lots of people before we make any recommendations to Government.”

One possible way of ensuring that non-commercial food operators who run sausage sizzles and school galas observe food safety rules is to introduce systems that educate rather than regulate. For instance, operators of such stalls could receive a simple food safety checklist to help them ensure the food they serve is safe to eat.

NZFSA is inviting submissions from all those likely to be affected by the review, the first of its kind in New Zealand for 30 years. Any decisions made have the potential to affect every food producer in New Zealand – from large factories to corner dairies, restaurants and takeaways as well as these small fund raising events.

The closing date for submissions has been extended to 28 February 2005.

The review has generated huge interest and workshops were held during the first part of December at main centres throughout New Zealand, providing a forum for interested parties to have their say and for NZFSA experts to explain ways in which the review could affect those working in the food industry.

Papers are available on the NZFSA website (www.nzfsa.govt.nz) or by contacting NZFSA on freephone 0800 NZFSA1 (0800 693 721). Email info@nzfsa.govt.nz

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For further information, contact: Gary Bowering, Manager (Communications).
Tel: 04 463 2532 or 027 44 32 550.

For further comment contact: Sandra Daly, Director (Communications and Business Services).
Tel: 04 463 2503 or 021 735 696.