Food Bill First Reading: “They’re Drinking Our Beer…um…Not Here”

The Food and Grocery Council (FGC) welcomes the First Reading of the Food Bill in Parliament today, and congratulates the Minister, Hon Kate Wilkinson, and officials for the years of detailed work to get the Bill this far, says Chief Executive, Katherine Rich.

“We are supportive of the Bill and its intentions, but wish to flag one area of concern, which could be a real “curve ball” for food and grocery companies that export.”

Mrs Rich says that the Bill specifies that all food produced in New Zealand must comply with all New Zealand regulations, even if the products have been produced solely for export, and irrespective of the regulations in the receiving export market.

“While FGC understands the importance of New Zealand protecting its excellent reputation as a safe and high quality food source, there needs to be better recognition that in some circumstances complying with all New Zealand laws will mean our members’ products will not comply with the rules of current export markets.”

“We have members currently with multi-million dollar markets earning significant export revenue for New Zealand. In certain circumstances they would have their goods rejected by some export markets and authorities for non-compliance if their goods are forced to comply with all of New Zealand’s rules.”

Mrs Rich says that beer is an excellent example. Beer produced exactly to the requirements of New Zealand labelling laws would not comply with the laws of the United Kingdom because of different labelling requirements and different country approaches to issues such as what constitutes a “standard drink”.

“It’s our members’ preference that the status quo prevail, and they continue to be allowed to produce food and beverage products that meet the requirements of their export markets.”

“We know it’s not the Government’s intention, but the current provisions in the Bill could potentially create a slow and cumbersome system requiring export companies to seek exemptions through the Minister or Governor General through Orders in Council each time a new market has a different approach to New Zealand.”

“New Zealand has an excellent approach to food safety, but we need to appreciate that not all countries dance to New Zealand’s tune. Our members want a practical regulatory system that continues to allow them to tailor their products to the requirements of their markets without introducing unnecessary bureaucracy.”

“Like NZFSA, our members take the issue of product safety and quality very seriously. We are confident that there is a practical solution that meets the needs of regulators and companies.

“We have been pleased with the response thus far from NZFSA, and will raise this issue again during the Select Committee process.” Mrs Rich said.

ENDS

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