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The Editor,

The Taranaki Daily News

Your story of 26 January (Fears over cost of food safety rules) appears to indicate a misunderstanding about the Domestic Food Review.

All Councils will have an obligation relating to food safety in their jurisdictions. While individual councils may well choose to handle all aspects of the new Food Control Plan system themselves, there is no requirement for them to do so – this can be contracted out, for example, as is the case in a number of locations around New Zealand now.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority has made it clear throughout the two year consultation process that the new regime will provide greater opportunity for flexibility in how it is locally administered, while providing greater confidence in the safety of food outlets and applying much needed consistency across New Zealand. The important result for consumers is to be assured that someone is checking that the food businesses in their area are delivering safe and suitable food.

In the case of Taranaki, the new regime offers the opportunity for a contracting arrangement or, perhaps, a region-wide approach where councils can share and combine resources, spreading – and potentially reducing – costs and removing duplication. In other parts of New Zealand several councils are already working towards this outcome.

The proposed process leaves it open for each of Taranaki’s councils to decide to develop their own resources to meet the improved food safety outcomes we are seeking, or to contract some or all services out to another local authority or even a private provider. That is a decision for the councils themselves.

NZFSA’s goal is reduced foodborne illness among New Zealanders, with a regulatory programme that supports our vital food sector.

Carole Inkster

NZFSA Director (Policy)