NZFSA summarises submissions on Food Paper

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has published a summary of the submissions received on its Domestic Food Review Position Paper.

The Position Paper took into consideration submissions raised in the seven previous papers and presented a package of proposals as might be recommended to Government.

A series of 15 public meetings were held around New Zealand between February and April this year so that NZFSA could discuss the proposals contained in the Position Paper. Comments made at those meetings were recorded as oral submissions and are included in the summary.

A total of 157 written submissions have been received on the Position Paper – from business groups, government bodies, industry organisations community groups, consumers and professional bodies.

Carole Inkster, NZFSA's Director of Policy says: "We are pleased with the response. The number of submissions received represents the views of several thousand people from interested groups and organisations around the country."

Overall response has been good, with general support for Food Control Plans and Food Handler Guidance, though many submitters sought further clarification on which tools would apply to each sector.

Other key issues that have come up include costs of verification, resource implications and requests for further clarification on the roles and responsibilities of public health units, local councils and NZFSA.

NZFSA is now analysing the submissions and preparing a Cabinet paper which is expected to be tabled in late August/early September for approval of legislative changes and an amended regulatory regime.

A further paper outlining the proposed transition and implementation of any changes to existing legislation (should they be accepted by Government) is expected to be ready for public consultation around the same time.

The summary, along with all of the papers published as part of the DFR, can be downloaded from NZFSA's website:
www.nzfsa.govt.nz/policy-law/projects/domestic-food-review/index.htm.

ENDS

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