Bill to overhaul Food Act introduced
A new bill that overhauls the outdated Food Act 1981 was introduced to Parliament today.Food Safety Minister Kate Wilkinson said the current regulatory system was not as effective or efficient as it could be."We have recently seen regional inconsiste
A new bill that overhauls the outdated Food Act 1981 was introduced to Parliament today.
Food Safety Minister Kate Wilkinson said the current regulatory system was not as effective or efficient as it could be.
"We have recently seen regional inconsistencies in how councils apply the current law, which will be addressed," she said.
"There also remains a significant incidence of food-borne illness in New Zealand and more can be done to protect consumers."
The bill has been developed over the past three years and was aligned with the New Zealand Standard platform, which provided the basis for food exports.
"This bill will ensure businesses take primary responsibility for the safety of the food they are selling," Ms Wilkinson said.
"They will know what is required of them and will be regulated relative to the degree of risk posed."
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