NZ Food Safety is seeking feedback

New Zealand Food Safety has taken its draft strategy out for public consultation until 27 September. The feedback collected during the consultation will allow New Zealand Food Safety to be clear about its four strategic priorities.

The organisation has many roles within the food safety system, as they set the rules and support others in understanding them, support a positive industry culture, verify that businesses are adhering to the rules by enforcing the rules and standards, and provide assurance to trading partners. The organisation also monitors and evaluates the efficacy of the system.

“New Zealanders and millions of consumers around the world eat New Zealand food. It is vital that food produced in New Zealand is safe and suitable,” said the Deputy Director-General of New Zealand Food Safety, Bryan Wilson.

The consultation will give responders the chance to have a say in what New Zealand Food Safety prioritises, to ensure that the food produced in New Zealand can be trusted by all consumers. World food safety systems are under pressure due to global issues such as climate change, which impact how food is produced. E-commerce is also impacting how food is bought and sold, thereby affecting consumer tastes and bringing greater demands for authenticity and health from consumers.

“To become a leader in food safety, New Zealand must understand the changing environment and developing science to ensure consumers remain safe from foodborne illnesses while allowing industry to respond to consumer demands,” Wilson said.

The key outcomes from the consultation include fostering Māori trust and confidence in the Food Safety System by working in partnership with them, and helping consumers make informed decisions about the food they purchase by making sure it is safe and suitable. The consultation also prioritises the trust and confidence held in the New Zealand food safety system by overseas governments and food producers.

“Whether you own a food business, buy or produce New Zealand food, you’re part of hapū/iwi with interests in kai, or you simply enjoy cooking and eating — your feedback to this consultation is important in shaping this strategy,” Wilson said.

The New Zealand Food Safety Summit in Auckland will see the launch of the final strategy on 10 December 2019.

To get involved, click here.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/laufer