New CEO for wood processors
Mark Ross has started in his new role as chief executive of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA).
The New Zealand diet is safe and contaminants are very low, with most naturally occurring, says Agcarm in a new report.
The Ministry for Primary Industries released results of the 2016 New Zealand Total Diet Study which tests residues from commonly used agrichemicals -- insecticides, fungicides and herbicides.
This report was on tests of 301 agricultural chemicals -- more than in previous years. All the exposures in the diet were very low and far below levels that would be a food safety risk.
Agcarm chief executive Mark Ross says the levels of agricultural chemicals and contaminants in our diets remain low and most of the latter occur naturally in the environment.
“So the fact they are showing up in our foods is unavoidable,” he says.
MPI sets very conservative limits for residues in food, many times below levels that would be a risk to consumers.
The national study, every five years, covers common foods consumed in a typical diet. It’s used to assess our overall exposure to chemicals and identifies potential food safety risks.
“These results are unsurprising,” says Ross. “Agcarm members work hard to satisfy the stringent requirements set by regulators. They also work with food chain partners to achieve the lowest possible residues in food.
“NZ can uphold its reputation as a producer of healthy and safe food. We must also continue to follow good agricultural practice to meet the ever-increasing consumer demands for safe food.”
The national survey includes common foods consumed in a typical diet. It’s used to assess our overall exposure to chemicals such as agricultural compounds, environmental contaminants and nutrients, and to identify potential food safety risks. It is also used to monitor trends and changes in levels over time.
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.