Proposed Changes to Food Act will Impact Local Businesses

Proposed Changes to the Food Act will Impact Local Businesses

Proposed changes to the Food Act could have a major impact on local food outlets and the Queenstown Lakes District Council is urging anyone serving, selling or trading food to look at the new regulations the Government has drafted, consider the effect they would have, then make a submission on any aspects of concern.

QLDC Regulatory Manager Lee Webster said that the Food Act 2014 would introduce new requirements for safe food handling that would cover every type of commercial food sale and supply, from the corner diary and school canteen to roadside stalls, takeaway outlets and high end restaurants. Even fundraising sausage sizzles would be affected.

“This will be a much more rigorous system than most businesses are used to,” Mr Webster said. “For the past several months we have been encouraging commercial food outlets to get ready for this new regime by developing food control plans on a voluntary basis. When the Regulations come into force in March next year, these plans will become mandatory.”

Mr Webster said that staff from the Ministry for Primary Industries would hold a consultation meeting and information session in Queenstown on 18 February at the Heritage Hotel, which is open to anyone involved in commercial food preparation, service or sales.

“This is a great opportunity for people to come and ask questions and find out exactly how the proposed new regime will affect them and their business,” Mr Webster said. “There’s no need to register – just turn up, listen and have your say.”

Full details of the proposals are on the Ministry for Primary Industries’ website: www.mpi.govt.nz – click on the “consultations” icon.

ENDS

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