increase font size
A WORKING group has been set up to improve dairy traceability, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye have announced.
"The independent Government Inquiry into the Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Contamination Incident highlighted the importance of effective systems for dairy traceability," Guy says.
It recommended a working group focusing on regulatory and worldwide best practices.
Kaye says the traceability of dairy products will further protect the public in the event of a suspected food safety issue.
"The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is well advanced in setting up a working group that will be headed by independent chair Dr John Larkindale," she says.
It will look at possible changes to regulations and industry practices to improve food and ingredient traceability, Kaye says.
The traceability working group will report to MPI Director General Martyn Dunne. Members will be appointed from:
• Food and Grocery Council
• New Zealand Retailers Association
• GS1 New Zealand
• Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) representative of large-scale manufacturers
• DCANZ representative of small-scale producers of retail-ready dairy products
• Infant Nutrition Council
• New Zealand Infant Formula Exporters' Association
• One member each from MPI and AsureQuality
"MPI advises me that the group's membership will be finalised this month and it will have its first meeting in March to determine its terms of reference and work programme, including timeframes for reporting back," Ms Kaye says.
"Collectively the group will have a range of important skills, including an understanding of best practice for traceability at a regulatory and industry level; first-hand knowledge of how dairy supply chains work; international experience; and experience with New Zealand's regulatory frameworks," Mr Guy says.
"The independent inquiry into last year's WPC incident found that New Zealand's food safety regulatory model for dairy is consistent with international principles and is among the best in the world. These changes will further strengthen the system."
Testing confirms H5 bird flu in a single northern giant petrel, found dead on a remote Cape Palliser beach in the Wairarapa, says Dr Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Chief Veterinary Officer.
The apple sector is working with the Government to unlock access to two key markets that could bring millions in revenue for apple growers.
OPINION: A simpler, clearer, more effective Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
The country's second largest milk processor is warning against 'complacency' during a review of competition regulations in the dairy sector.
Blueberry growers are warning that fresh imports could pose a huge biosecurity risk for NZ’s horticulture sector.
New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.
Testing confirms H5 bird flu in a single northern giant petrel, found dead on a remote Cape Palliser beach in the Wairarapa, says Dr Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Chief Veterinary Officer.
"What's for dinner?" may sound like a simple question, but for many Kiwi parents, answering it has become a job in itself.
Fifty Eight years ago, on the 16th of August 1968, August Claas, the founder of the harvesting company and father of Helmut Claas, personally presented a Claas Senator combine harvester to Scottish farmer John Steven.
New Zealand consumers are paying more for beef mince than ever before, with the average retail price now sitting above $24 per kilogram, according to Rabobank.
State farmer Pamu has delivered its strongest operating result on record.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
