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Comment invited on new animal feed regulations

Media Release: 31 August 2006

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has released a public discussion document on proposed changes to ways in which animal feeds (including pet food for cats and dogs) are regulated.

“New Zealand is following international best practice when it comes to animal feed and pet food,” says Carole Inkster, NZFSA Director (Policy), “but there are some issues we need to address.”

“For example, there are expectations from importers overseas that we can trace and locate producers if there has been an adverse event. The proposals in the discussion paper are designed to ensure we can do this should such an event ever occur.”

The Review, which was prompted by concern that some practices within parts of the animal feed industry may not now be adequately managed, found that in general existing arrangements are adequate for the management of risks associated with animal feeds.

However, it was found that some manufacturing operations, especially those involving processed animal feed containing animal material, pose a risk to animal health and a high indirect risk to New Zealand’s export trade. These risks relate in particular, to the procurement of material from unregulated sources.

In order to protect domestic animal health and to maintain confidence in New Zealand’s reputation as a trusted supplier of animal feed, specific new proposals to change the regulation of certain manufacturers of animal feed are outlined.

“We expect that these proposals will also increase consumer confidence in the pet food they buy,” Carole Inkster says.

Public consultation will take place until 20 October 2006, and NZFSA welcomes all submissions. After submissions have been considered, NZFSA will advise Government on the proposals suggesting legislative change.

The public discussion document, along with an accompanying information paper which explains the review in more detail, can be downloaded from www.nzfsa.govt.nz.

Hard copies are available on request from Lucinda Barfoot, on 04 463 2534 or email Lucinda.Barfoot@nzfsa.govt.nz.

Ends

For further comment, contact Carole Inkster, Director (Policy): 04 463 2505
or 021 241 2455.

For further information, contact Gary Bowering, Manager (NZFSA Communications): 04 463 2532 or 027 443 2550.