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More workshops planned for Domestic Food Review

26 January 2005

Further workshops aimed at explaining the scope of the government’s Domestic Food Review are planned at centres in the South Island during the first week of February.

The workshops, which are free, will provide a forum for open discussion and feedback on the work of the Domestic Food Review to date, and help clarify concepts and approaches.

New Zealand Food Safety Authority Director of Policy, Carole Inkster, says: “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.

“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.”

It is only the second time in the past 30 years that the government’s role in the New Zealand domestic food sector has been critically examined at official level.

NZFSA estimates the DFR will be a five-year project.

The ultimate aim of the review is to improve food safety for consumers and ensure that those selling food are responsible for its safety and suitability, (labeling, etc).

“If you are involved in any kind of food production, preparation, handling or delivery then it could be critical for you to have your say,” says Carole.

The workshops will be held in Queenstown on 1 February at 2pm at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Lakefront, on the corner of Frankton Road and Adelaide Street, and in Invercargill on 2 February at 2pm at Ascot Park Hotel, on the corner of Tay Street and Racecourse Road.

Five concept papers on the DFR have so far been released for public consultation. They cover introduction and context, regulatory roles, responsibilities and structures, proposed food control plans, implementation of food control plans and cost recovery. Submissions close on 28 February.

Copies of the papers are available from NZFSA’s website: www.nzfsa.govt.nz or by calling the NZFSA hotline: 0800 NZFSA 1 (0800 693 721). Email: info@nzfsa.govt.nz.

Submissions can be sent to:

Submissions – Domestic Food Review,

C/o Policy Group,

New Zealand food Safety Authority,

PO Box 2835,

Wellington.

Email: Robbie.thomson@nzfsa.govt.nz

Fax: 04 463 2501

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For further comment, contact: Carole Inkster, NZFSA Director of Policy.
Tel: 04 463 2505 or 021 241 2455.

For further information contact: Gary Bowering, Communications Manager.
Tel: 04 463 2531 or 027 44 32 550