| "Our vision
to is have a world-leading food regulatory programme
that has the confidence of all stakeholders while at the
same time protects consumers from food borne illness and
enhances New Zealand's position as a trusted food
supplier," he said.
"One of our main aims is to
ensure that all purchasers have confidence in the New
Zealand food they purchase and consume. The Authority
will set appropriate standards and ensure those
standards are rigorously enforced. Over the next few
years the Authority will streamline the application of
regulations and standardise requirements for food
production. This will mean that the food industry will
work to one set of rules whether they are providing
product for the local or export markets."
Most businesses
processing seafood will become subject to the Animal
Products Act 1999. These have until 31 October 2002 to
register risk management programmes. Until they do,
existing seafood premises remain licensed or approved
under the Meat Act 1981. The Fish Export Processing
Regulations 1995 and its subsidiary Industry Agreed
Implementation Standards and Technical Directives
continue to apply.
The new system will
continue E-cert -an Electronic Certification system,
which is used by MAF to provide government to government
assurances that the products received by the importing
country comply with their standards.
Dr McKenzie concluded :
"Food is a multi-billion dollar industry. There are
30,000 businesses licensed to produce, sell, manufacture
and process food in New Zealand so robust food standards
and regulations are of the utmost importance. More than
50 per cent - NZD 11 billion per annum - of New
Zealand's export earnings comes from food. About 80 per
cent of all the food produced in New Zealand is
exported, so the value of having safe food is
immeasurable. In fact our reputation depends on it."
Further details of the
new Food Authority can be found on their website:
www.nzfsa.govt.nz
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