Vote Food Safety
The output classes within Vote Food Safety contribute to the following MAF intermediate outcomes:
- Policies and interventions to foster innovation and growth in the sectors.
- Effective and efficient regulatory regimes for the sectors.
- Maintained and enhanced market access for agricultural and food products and reduced market distortions resulting from trade rules and market interventions.
- Credible and trusted animal and plant product assurance.
- Balanced export and import regime covering the safety and suitability aspects of trade in animal and plant products.
- Safe and suitable food for New Zealanders.
Food Safety Policy Advice
This output class includes purchasing policy advice and decision support for the Minister and the Government on food safety and related issues. It includes analysis and advice on legislation and policy to be applied to all aspects of food administration to ensure a robust, modern, comprehensive legislative base, implementation tools and mechanisms to measure their effectiveness. Services to assist the Minister are also included.
Policy advice is developed in co-operation with MAF Policy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in areas where their responsibilities intersect with those of the Food Safety Authority.
Performance Measures and results
- All policy advice conforms with criteria set out in Schedule A of the 2004/05 Statement of Intent (SOI).
At several of the regular meetings held between the Minister and the Executive Director, the Minister indicated her satisfaction with the effectiveness and quality of the advice provided. This satisfaction was also conveyed to the Director-General during regular meetings. Priority work was completed as per the agreements reached between the Minister, Director General and Executive Director. No formal evaluations were undertaken.
Performance Measures and results
- Priority work is completed as agreed or as subsequently amended by agreement between the Minister, the Director-General and the Executive Director via the 2004/05 Output Plan.
The Policy Programme is developed from the NZFSA Strategic Focus which identifies strategic needs for the organisation and the initiatives necessary to achieve these.
A key policy initiative progressed during 2004/05 was the Domestic Food Review. The purpose of the Review is to create a food regulatory programme across all sectors of New Zealand's domestic food industry that promotes and delivers safe and suitable food.
Policy advice was provided on matters relating to the entire food regulatory programme and issues arising throughout the year, including advice on the operation and legislative amendments of the Food Act and joint food standard setting between Australia and New Zealand. The standards setting process provides access for New Zealand to a development and review mechanism for food standards policy and to the food standards themselves.
Policy advice was also provided on the operation of and amendments to:
- the Animal Product Act;
- the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act;
- the Wine Act;
- the non-regulated areas of the New Zealand food regime, including plant products; and
- the charging for government services and the impact of relevant regulation.
Three meetings of the Officials Committee on Food Safety were held during the 2004/2005 year. The Officials Committee comprises representatives from all government departments with an interest in food-related issues and aims to ensure a "whole-of-government" approach to food strategic policy.
The Policy Group provided advice to NZFSA delegations to assist their participation in international forums such as Codex, SPS, FAO/WHO, OECD, APEC, and CER.
Ministerial services were provided in accordance with agreed ministerial process and Cabinet Office guidelines, and all correspondence, parliamentary questions, Official Information Act requests, Ombudsmen Act enquiries, and Cabinet Papers were produced in accordance with the requirements of the Vote Food Safety Output Plan.
This Plan outlines the outputs the Vote Minister requires NZFSA to deliver and the anticipated cost of these, and is jointly signed by the Minister, Director-General of MAF and the Executive Director of the NZFSA.
Output Plan reports are available from MAF on request.
Financial Performance of Food Safety Policy Advice
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 1,674 | Revenue Crown | 2,477 | 2,529 | 2,529 |
| - | Revenue Other | - | 7 | 10 |
| 1,674 | Total Revenue | 2,477 | 2,536 | 2,539 |
| 1,674 | Total Expenses | 2,477 | 2,669 | 2,597 |
| - | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (133) | (58) |
Regulatory Standards
Food and food-related products must be produced in accordance with New Zealand legislation and, where appropriate, meet the requirements negotiated with countries importing New Zealand products to enable official assurances necessary for market access. Regulatory standards cover the setting of technical standards to achieve this and to otherwise meet "agreed levels of consumer protection". Standards for ancillary legislation associated with controls on inputs into food protection are included.
The output class covers the setting of operational standards and the development of monitoring and review mechanism to measure performance and to support reports to the Minster, as well as providing official assurances.
Performance Measures and results
- All standards and accreditation programmes are reviewed according to a schedule agreed with the Director accountable for the particular area or legislation.
Generic Programme Development
Risk management parameters were developed and/or modified and food safety issues ranked and prioritised in accordance with agreed schedules. Programmes were also developed to assist with the monitoring of New Zealand's regulatory programme and to ensure agreed standards were met.
The NZFSA science strategy, providing the scientific and technical advice for food safety standards development, was implemented. A science programme was also developed for generic food control programmes including food safety targets and represent agreed levels of consumer protection.
Input was provided into multilateral trade standards, in particular the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement (SPS) with two MAF/NZFSA groups established to coordinate these activities. These forums remain active and are co-ordinating SPS activity across MAF and NZFSA.
An extensive programme of participation in Codex international standard setting processes was undertaken. The final session of the Meat Hygiene Committee was held in Christchurch in February 2005. This session saw the adoption of a Meat Code which provides international agreement on meat standards and allows easier market access. The Committee has now been adjourned.
Domestic and Imported Food
Standards were reviewed and developed as required in response to law changes, national policy, emerging food safety threats and new import proposals in the regulatory programme.
Facilities, people and processes were also approved and licensed in accordance with regulatory and implementation standards.
The Strategic Review of Import Arrangements was completed and work on the implementation of the recommendations was started as appropriate. The BSE categorisation measure review was commenced and systems established to provide an accurate record of the volumes and types of food imported into New Zealand.
During 2004/2005 food safety issues dealt with included the lead contamination of cornflour and the introduction of an emergency food standard for Hijiki seaweed. Both of these food safety threats were handled in accordance with the documented standards and procedures and successfully resolved.
Development of food recall procedures was undertaken to ensure New Zealand has a fit for purpose recall system. There was no reported food safety incidents associated with the failure of NZFSA systems.
Assurance audits were undertaken of registered premises to ensure compliance with standards. All audit reports were produced and passed as required with no corrective actions necessary.
Food Standards and Dietary Supplements
Standards complying with the New Zealand Code of Good Regulatory Practice and consistent with the relevant legislation were developed and/or reviewed and disseminated.
The development and/or review of these standards aims to reflect a whole-of-government approach and take into account not only of the health and nutrition of New Zealanders but also other consumer and industry interests.
Feedback from the Minister, Director-General, Executive Director and stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Health, indicated these standards delivered intended outcomes and met respective needs.
Input was provided into the Food Standards Australia New Zealand standard setting process which represented New Zealand's views as far as was possible. Approximately 80 standards were set in the 2004/05 year and stakeholder feedback indicated satisfaction with the majority of these.
No food safety incidents, associated with composition and labelling in New Zealand, were identified and a review of the strategy to manage potential incidents was started.
New and reviewed standards for dietary supplements were developed and/or modified in response to law changes and national policy. An officials group from NZFSA, Medsafe, the Therapeutics Goods Agency and Food Standards Australia New Zealand was convened to develop criteria for assigning dietary supplements as either a food or medicine.
A programme of participation in international standard setting processes was undertaken by NZFSA staff and New Zealand's interests were represented in international fora including a range of Codex committees, such as the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Food for Special Dietary Interests, the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants and the Codex Committee on Food Labelling.
Primary Processing and Exports of Dairy, Wine and Plant Products
Standards were reviewed and/or developed, as required, in response to law changes and national policy, technical requirements and negotiated changes in bilateral agreements for importing countries, and emerging food safety threats. These standards addressed areas such as the implementation of the dairy regulatory programme into the Animal Products Act, European Union and overseas market access requirements, organics certification and the implementation of the Wine Act 2003.
A programme of participation in international standard setting processes was undertaken and New Zealand's interests, both for consumers and industry, were represented in international fora such as the UNECE Agricultural Standards Specialised Session on Fruits and Vegetables Standard setting forum in Geneva in March 2005 and participation in the New Zealand delegation to the inter-sessional meeting of the World Wine Trade Group in Santiago, Chile.
Visits were made to New Zealand by counterpart controlling authorities such as the Indonesian authorities and the EU Commission Food & Veterinary Office, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Thai authorities. These visits promote bilateral relationships and represent New Zealand's interests, particularly in the agreement of science and risk-based standards for trade.
While there were several incidents of product being rejected by trading partner countries due to incorrect labelling, no food safety incidents associated with the failure of NZFSA certification systems were reported in New Zealand or in trading partner countries. Measures were taken to ensure the incidence of incorrect product labelling is minimalised in future.
Facilities, people and processes were also approved and licensed in accordance with regulatory and implementation standards. All audit reports were produced and passed as required with no corrective actions necessary.
Primary Processing and Exports of Animal Products
Standards were reviewed and/or developed, as required, in response to law changes and national policy, technical requirements and negotiated changes in bilateral agreements for importing countries, and emerging food safety threats . These standards addressed areas such as the implementation of the Animal Products Act and the European Veterinary Agreement, requirements for trading partners and risk management plans.
The provisions of the Animal Products Act continued to be implemented within legislated timeframes and as agreed with the Minister.
The interests of New Zealand's animal product producers were represented in international standard setting fora where NZFSA seeks to ensure trading agreements are aligned with international rules. Discussions were also held with a number of countries allowing for the development of bilateral agreements.
Visits were made to New Zealand by counterpart controlling authorities. These visits promote relationships and further represent New Zealand's interests in bilateral agreements.
No technically justified rejection of product in the market, associated with the failure of NZFSA certification systems or inadequacy of standards, was reported. No food safety incidents, associated with the failure of NZFSA certification systems, were reported in New Zealand or in trading partner countries.
Facilities, people and processes were also approved and licensed in accordance with regulatory and implementation standards. All audit reports were produced and passed as required with no corrective actions necessary.
Agricultural Compounds, Veterinary Medicines and Chemical Contaminants
Standards were reviewed and/or developed, as required, in response to law changes and national policy, technical requirements and negotiated changes in bilateral agreements for importing countries; and emerging food safety threats. These standards addressed areas such as the operation of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act (ACVM Act), alignment with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act and other relevant legislation, the harmonisation of registration requirements via VICH and the promulgation of maximum residues limits under the Food Act.
The interests of New Zealand in the area of agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines were represented internationally with a programme of participation in international standard setting fora and harmonisation programmes. Bilateral relationships were maintained with counterpart controlling authorities including visits to and from these authorities.
Facilities, people and processes were also approved and licensed in accordance with regulatory and implementation standards.
Financial Performance of Regulatory Standards
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 13,190 | Revenue Crown | 15,492 | 15,966 | 15,966 |
| 15,058 | Revenue Other | 17,995 | 18,376 | 15,341 |
| 28,248 | Total Revenue | 33,487 | 34,342 | 31,307 |
| 28,018 | Total Expenses | 33,487 | 34,831 | 31,126 |
| 230 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (489) | 181 |
Response to Food Safety Emergencies
Food safety emergencies are expected and need to be handled in a systematic manner. This output class covers the requirement for the appropriate standards and systems to be in place so threats to human health and impacts on the integrity of food safety programmes are minimised.
It includes the co-ordination of routine food recalls and communication with affected parties and those at risk as well as response to food safety emergencies.
Performance Measures and results
- Systems and measures are maintained to limit the impact of events that pose a threat to human health, or to the integrity of the New Zealand Food Safety programme, through the provision of standards, systems and arrangements to manage food recalls effectively, and to show preparedness in response to issues that are routine and/or emergency situations.
Considerable progress was made in the first half of 2005 on the development of food safety emergency responses as a result of both Exercise Taurus and the Operation Waiheke foot and mouth hoax letter event.
Recall procedures were reviewed and implemented in accordance with a programme agreed with the Executive Director. Relationships were established and maintained with other agencies to ensure a whole-of-government approach where relevant and required. These relationships were also enhanced as a result of the animal exotic disease emergency response exercises.
Performance Measures and results
- Emergency responses are managed in an effective manner that limits adverse impacts on health and the integrity of New Zealand food safety programmes.
One major recall managed during the year was that of the lead contamination of cornflour. All steps were taken to ensure the adverse impact of this incident on the health of New Zealanders and the integrity of New Zealand's food safety programmes was minimised to the greatest extent possible.
This recall followed all agreed procedures and standards.
Financial Performance of Response to Food Safety Emergencies
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 100 | Revenue Crown | 234 | 237 | 237 |
| - | Revenue Other | - | - | - |
| 100 | Total Revenue | 234 | 237 | 237 |
| 54 | Total Expenses | 234 | 247 | 74 |
| 46 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (10) | 163 |
Systems Audit and Enforcement
This output class covers the audit of component systems and specific areas within the regulatory programme, as well as investigations of problems and complaints and suspected breaches of legislation. It requires the programme is effective in meeting policy objectives and is being enforced.
Performance Measures and results
- Audit reports produced for each audit.
Monitoring and surveillance audits were undertaken to monitor compliance with standards, and reports were produced in accordance with documented systems as per the programmes agreed with NZFSA Directors. Audits were analysed to identify trends or issues arising, none were identified.
Performance Measures and results
- Assurances provided that delivery is in accordance with NZFSA or other relevant standard.
Consumer complaints were screened and investigated as appropriate according to the criteria agreed with Directors. No epidemiological investigations were undertaken, however food safety-related complaints from both members of the public and other stakeholders were followed up as required.
About 248 investigations were undertaken in 2004/2005 into breaches of the provisions of all legislation administered by NZFSA. These breaches were investigated in accordance with the internal investigation standards and met all legal requirements.
Six prosecutions were completed in the 2004/2005 year, three under the Food Act and three under the Animal Products Act. Four prosecutions remain before the court and one prosecution was resolved outside of court. A further seven files directed for prosecution were resolved in other manners. All prosecutions were undertaken as a result of these investigations and in accordance with relevant legislation.
Financial Performance of Systems Audit and Enforcement
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2005 | June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 2,206 | Revenue Crown | 2,338 | 2,342 | 2,342 |
| 1,141 | Revenue Other | 1,917 | 1,936 | 1,319 |
| 3,347 | Total Revenue | 4,255 | 4,278 | 3,661 |
| 2,919 | Total Expenses | 4,255 | 4,359 | 3,643 |
| 428 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (81) | 18 |
Consultation and Food Safety Information
This output class covers consultation with stakeholders (including the public) and includes the Food Safety Advisory Board, the Consumers Forum and the Officials Committee on Food Safety. It covers communication of food safety information including all regulatory and other relevant matters to stakeholders and managing issues from a communication perspective.
Performance Measures and results
- Consultation and food safety information provided in line with agreed programmes and meets the needs of the majority of stakeholders.
A communications plan outlining intended communication activity for 2004/05 was redeveloped and implemented as agreed with the Executive Director. An issues management plan was also agreed with stakeholders and the Executive Director to ensure all relevant stakeholders were aware of impending issues and possible media interest.
Procedures were put in place to ensure the Minister is kept informed of all relevant issues as they arise.
Food safety information produced in collaboration with other groups and in line with agreed programmes was disseminated to the public through activities such as the Foodsafe Partnership Week. This communication seeks to inform the public of correct food safety practices thereby reducing the incidence of food-borne illness.
Existing consultation plans were reviewed during the 2004/2005 year with new plans put in place for major projects such as the imported foods review and domestic foods review. A review of stakeholders' satisfaction with NZFSA communications will be undertaken in 2005/06.
Financial Performance of Consultation and Food Safety Information
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 1,408 | Revenue Crown | 1,553 | 1,888 | 1,888 |
| 4 | Revenue Other | - | 153 | 165 |
| 1,412 | Total Revenue | 1,553 | 2,041 | 2,053 |
| 1,370 | Total Expenses | 1,553 | 2,093 | 1,958 |
| 42 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (52) | 95 |
Regulatory Programmes
This output class covers regulatory programme arrangements relating to the provision of regulatory services.
The NZFSA Verification Agency provides verification services to the meat and seafood industries, particularly to the export sector. Verification by the agency that standards have been met as required, enables the New Zealand government to provide assurances to importing country controlling authorities.
District Health Boards are contracted to provide a range of functions and provide NZFSA with oversight of parts of the programme at a local level, investigate possible cases of food-borne illness and provide a linkage to wider public health areas.
Performance Measures and results
- Technical compliance with standards and food legislation.
- Effective and efficient verification services.
- Integrity of the official assurance programme is maintained and enhanced.
Verification Services
The Verification Agency complied with the relevant standards and food legislation. All internal audits undertaken by the NZFSA Compliance and Investigations Group were passed to the required standard or necessary actions taken. External audits, including audits by the European Union and the United States import control authorities, were passed as required.
Client feedback, including acceptance of the NZFSA Strategy by the meat industry, indicated satisfaction with the integrity and consistency of delivered services and the accreditation to the international quality standard ISO 17020 was maintained.
All costs were recovered and internal and external audits of the cost recovery process indicated a professional and transparent negotiation process with clients.
District Health Boards
District Health Boards delivered the service as required, although at the present time, both the services to be delivered and structural issues relating to the New Zealand food regulatory programme are under review by NZFSA as a part of the Domestic Food Review (DFR). Analysis of the public health contracts was undertaken to ensure contracts meet NZFSA's needs although it is recognised that these are likely to change considerably over the next three or four years as a result of the DFR.
Financial Performance of Regulatory Programmes
| Main | Supp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Estimates | Estimates | Actual | |
| June 2004 | June 2005 | June 2005 | June 2005 | |
| $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | $(000) | |
| 1,916 | Revenue Crown | 1,954 | 2,006 | 2,006 |
| 29,812 | Revenue Other | 30,784 | 33,740 | 32,151 |
| 31,728 | Total Revenue | 32,738 | 35,746 | 34,157 |
| 31,838 | Total Expenses | 32,738 | 35,970 | 34,365 |
| (110) | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | (224) | (208) |
Contact for Enquiries
Strategy and Performance Group
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 894 0100
Fax: +64 4 894 0738
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