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MP for Wairarapa, Georgina Beyer MP, said the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, launched today, will boast a world leading food regulatory programme.
"This Government takes food issues, food information and food safety very seriously. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority has been set up to protect consumers and enhance our position as a trusted food supplier," Georgina Beyer said. "Food is a multi-billion dollar business. There are more than 30,000 businesses selling, manufacturing or processing food and more than 50 percent of New Zealand's export earnings come from food or food-related exports."
The new agency brings together the skills and expertise of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Health. "Our Wairarapa food industry and consumers will benefit from a single agency dealing with food safety. It will provide a strong co-ordinated approach to reducing the incidence of food borne illness and managing food related risks," Georgina Beyer said.
Food industry and consumer input to the Food Safety Authority will be sought through the Food Safety Advisory Board, which will provide independent advice to the Minister for Food Safety Annette King. "The food industry will be responsible for producing safe food and the Government will act as the regulator setting appropriate standards and auditing and enforcing these."
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Board, which has replaced the Australian New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA), will continue its work under the New Zealand Food Safety Authority. ANZFA introduced food labelling for all products sold in New Zealand and Australia. New Zealand has the most comprehensive food-labelling regime in the world. From December last year, all genetically modified (GM) food must be labelled to ensure the consumers have as much information as possible about the content of the food they eat. GM food in New Zealand must also comply with international standards set by the World Health Organization and Codex Alimentarius."
The criteria used to approve GM foods is based on the most up-to-date scientific evidence available. "Over the next year, at least 1000 foods will be tested for GM content using the latest technology. And the standard currently in place will be reviewed in 18 months' time."
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