New food laws on the way |
New food laws on the way
The cabinet has approved a package of recommendations on updating the countrys food regulations. The new package was announced in November by Food Safety Minister Annette King. During a three year Domestic Food Review of New Zealands entire decades-old food regulatory programme, the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) identified what it called inequities in the way the food industry is regulated, a lack of clarity in the roles of the regulators (NZFSA, Public Health Units and Local Authorities) and a continued rise in the number of reported foodborne illnesses.Ms King says the Cabinet has agreed that the Food Act should be changed. A key, according to the announcement, will be to make food operators responsible for providing safe and suitable food. Costs minimised?It is also intended, said Ms King, that government interventions and compliance costs are minimised. Clarity soon? In practical terms, agreement of the recommendations means NZFSA will: Five year timetable Drafting law changes will begin soon.Transition to the new regime is expected to begin in July 2008 and to take about five years, says Ms King. The next phase of the process will see NZFSA consulting on a proposed timetable for transition to the new system. |
