Vote Food Safety
Within Vote Food Safety the output expenses 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, horticultural, food and forestry 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 expense includes purchasing policy advice and decision support for the Minister and the Government on food safety and related issues. It covers 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 its effectiveness. Services to assist the Minister are also included.
Performance Measure and results:
All policy advice conforms with criteria set out in Schedule A of the SOI to
provide a whole-of-government approach to strategic food policy issues; whether
they be responding to Ministerial Services, the lifecycle of policy development
(reviews, amendments, implementation, regulation and cost recovery), advice to
delegations for bilateral and international forums, or joint food standards
setting with Australia (including contributing to Food Standards Australia and
New Zealand).
No formal evaluations were undertaken although the process for doing so is underway. However, feedback from the Minister for Food Safety indicated general satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of advice provided. NZFSA’s structured approach to developing policy advice includes extensive internal and external consultation, and has a rigorous internal quality assurance system ensuring high quality policy advice to the Minister. The Minister indicated particular satisfaction with the regular reporting on work programmes. Ministerial services were provided in accordance with the Vote Food Safety Output Plan – a dedicated ministerial co-ordination function ensuring its timeliness and quality. A focus on meeting all statutory requirements ensured that no issues were raised by the Regulations Review Committee in response to reports provided by NZFSA.
The Domestic Food Review was the major policy initiative progressed during 2005/06.
Work on the review included extensive public, local government and industry consultations, including the preparation and release of the review’s Position Paper. Other core outputs were policy advice provided on the implementation and operation of the Wine Act, a review of the New Zealand BSE Measure, operation of the Animal Products Act (including the incorporation of dairy), operation of, and amendments to, the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Amendments Act and charging for government services (cost recovery and Crown funding).
Advice was provided on a series of policy, operational and regulatory issues arising throughout the year, both within New Zealand and in the context of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) joint food standards setting system. Three meetings of the Officials Committee on Food Safety were held, providing a whole-of-government approach to all food-related policy, with priority given to thorough coverage of issues. Through dedicated Codex resourcing, NZFSA led work on and completed the revised strategic policy document setting out New Zealand’s strategic objectives in Codex. NZFSA also contributed advice in a number of other international forums, including those relating to the FSANZ food standards setting arrangements, including proposals to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, and the review of the FSANZ assessments and approvals process.
Financial Performance of Food Safety Policy Advice
| Actual June 2005 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Actual June 2006 $(000) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,529 | Revenue Crown | 2,511 | 2,378 | 2,378 |
| 10 | Revenue Other | 14 | 21 | 21 |
| 2,539 | Total Revenue | 2,525 | 2,399 | 2,399 |
| 2,597 | Total Expenses | 2,525 | 2,399 | 2,285 |
| (58) | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 114 |
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. This output expense covers the setting of technical standards to achieve this and to meet agreed levels of consumer protection. Standards for ancillary legislation associated with controls on inputs into food production are included. The output expense covers the setting of operational standards and the development of monitoring and review mechanisms to measure performance and to support reports to the Minister, as well as providing official assurances.
Performance Measure and results:
All standards and accreditation programmes are reviewed according to a schedule
agreed with the Director accountable for the particular area or
legislation.
A significant work programme was undertaken in respect of food safety standards and accreditation programmes in accordance with the agreed work schedule. This included:
Approvals
Approvals are provided for persons, plans, premises, products and chemicals in accordance with NZFSA technical standards, specifications and legislation. Therefore, all approvals were issued, suspended and revoked in accordance with the standards and legislation. A framework for approvals was developed and implemented as a key deliverable of the NZFSA rationalisation project. Public registers and lists were regularly updated and maintained.
Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM)
Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) standards and ACVM regulations and standards were updated regularly during the year to reflect New Zealand and export market requirements for new products and uses. ACVM standards and guidelines were developed against work plans and reviewed. New Zealand’s position on antimicrobial resistance was also updated as it is identified as an emerging issue. A Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Australia’s Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and alignment priorities were agreed. These were developed against work plans and aim to reduce regulatory compliance time and costs.
Export Standards
A significant deliverable was the ongoing work on an export standard setting framework. This is a priority process for ensuring effectiveness, consistency and transparency in standard setting. In terms of market access for export food and related products, product certification was maintained, enhancements to the Official Assurance Programme were progressed, and technical requirements or negotiated changes in bilateral agreements for importing countries notified to exporters.
An Export Plants Residue Programme was developed and a number of other programmes and systems maintained across all industries. These include the Laboratory Approvals Scheme regulatory programme, the Organic Official Assurance Programme (which both include accreditation programmes) and the EU Butter and Cheese Quota management system.
The Animal Products Act and Wine Act export provisions were implemented in accordance with legislative deadlines.
On the trade front, a significant number of bilateral agreements were completed and existing bilateral relationships maintained. There was ongoing contribution to Free Trade Agreements from an SPS perspective, and representation in international standards setting forums for the development of international standards. This work is critical in influencing international forums to adhere to agreed SPS principles when developing standards.
New Zealand Standards
New Zealand Standards were reviewed and resulted in a number of improvements and developments. A process for obtaining science input into standard setting was established to ensure standards are science and risk-based. A framework for standard setting was established to ensure effectiveness, consistency and transparency. Elements of the Domestic Food Review proposals were developed including parts of the food control plan, trial of a “Mini-mart” code of practice, a food business risk ranking and prioritisation model, and a food service code of practice is under development. A framework for a new imported food regime was developed and reviewed as the first deliverable of the Imported Food Review implementation projects. A review of BSE Import Measures was completed and the standard reviewed. All standards under the Animal Products Act were implemented, including dairy standards and criteria, shellfish regulatory control scheme, and human and animal consumption specifications as required to meet legislative deadlines. Implementation of the Wine Act was progressed, in accordance with a new timetable agreed by Cabinet, including the passage of Regulations after an initial delay.
Science
The primary purpose of the Science group is to provide high quality, timely and accurate scientific advice to NZFSA businesses for standard setting. During the year, the NZFSA Science Academy was established and a New Zealand Association for Food Protection set up. A risk ranking exercise for the imported food and domestic food reviews was completed. A qualitative risk assessment for raw milk Roquefort cheese from France is nearing completion. NZFSA participated in a number of international and national working groups. A strategy to ensure a balanced approach between New Zealand’s import and export regimes in relation to levels of risk is under development using a risk-based science approach (risk-ranking and profiling tools), and through consultation, taking regard of animal health, human health and environmental biosecurity issues.
Financial Performance of Regulatory Standards
| Actual June 2005 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Actual June 2006 $(000) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15,966 | Revenue Crown | 16,437 | 16,500 | 16,500 |
| 15,341 | Revenue Other | 19,640 | 18,550 | 15,917 |
| 31,307 | Total Revenue | 36,077 | 35,050 | 32,417 |
| 31,126 | Total Expenses | 36,077 | 35,050 | 32,213 |
| 181 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 204 |
Response to Food Safety Emergencies
Food safety emergencies are to be expected and need to be handled in a systematic manner to reduce threats to human health and/or impacts on the integrity of the NZFSA food safety programme. The setting of standards for this purpose is covered in this output expense. It includes the co-ordination of routine food recalls and communication with affected parties and those at risk as well as responses to food safety emergencies. Responses are demand driven and budgeted on a case-by-case basis.
Performance Measure and results:
Systems and measures to limit the impact of events that pose a threat to human
health or to the integrity of the New Zealand food safety programme are
maintained. This is achieved 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.
Initial scoping of a food safety emergency response framework is underway including alignment with the Exotic Disease Preparedness and Response framework and evaluation of UK and Ireland programmes. A priority is establishing a process for ensuring the framework is effective and consistent with international best practice. The food recall protocol – the core standard for ensuring effective management of food events – was reviewed.
Performance Measure and results:
Emergency responses are managed in an effective manner limiting adverse impacts
on health and the integrity of New Zealand food safety programmes.
No food emergencies occurred during the reporting period. Food recall standards and systems operated effectively and recalls were carried out in accordance with agreed standards.
Financial Performance of Response to Food Safety Emergencies
| Actual June 2005 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Actual June 2006 $(000) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 237 | Revenue Crown | 244 | 236 | 236 |
| - | Revenue Other | - | - | 3 |
| 237 | Total Revenue | 244 | 236 | 239 |
| 74 | Total Expenses | 244 | 236 | 235 |
| 163 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 4 |
Systems Audit and Enforcement
This output expense covers the audit of component systems and specific areas within the regulatory programme, as well as investigations of problems, complaints and suspected breaches of legislation. It includes obtaining the necessary evidence that the programme is effective in meeting policy objectives and is being enforced.
Performance Measure and results:
Audit reports produced for each audit.
All audits completed were accompanied by a documented report as per current quality system procedures. Audit reports are completed to convey audit findings, present corrective action requirements and to schedule targets.
Performance Measure and results:
Assurances provided that delivery is in accordance with NZFSA or other relevant
standard.
Assurances were provided and the audit pass criteria exceeded for the 2005/06 internal, allocated, and special audits. Non-compliances identified were corrected in accordance with agreed targets or escalated as required to ensure compliance. Investigation of stakeholder complaints were undertaken in accordance with agreed procedures.
Financial Performance of Systems Audit and Enforcement
| Actual June 2005 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Actual June 2006 $(000) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,342 | Revenue Crown | 2,397 | 2,424 | 2,424 |
| 1,319 | Revenue Other | 2,035 | 1,418 | 1,417 |
| 3,661 | Total Revenue | 4,432 | 3,842 | 3,841 |
| 3,643 | Total Expenses | 4,432 | 3,842 | 3,723 |
| 18 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 118 |
Consultation and Food Safety Information
This output expense covers consultation with stakeholders (including the public) and includes the Food Safety Advisory Board and the Consumers’ Forum. It covers communication of food safety information including regulatory and other relevant matters to stakeholders and management issues from a communication perspective.
Performance Measure and results:
Consultation and food safety information provided in line with agreed
programmes and meets the needs of the majority of stakeholders.
Consultation was conducted on a range of issues as required – including workshops on the Domestic Food Review, Imported Food Review and other key programmes. Food safety information was provided to meet stakeholder needs and to help consumers reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. This year’s programme included specific projects to meet identified needs for Pacific Island communities, as well as immuno-compromised people. Issues were identified and responses to media events, proposed changes to standards and stakeholder concerns, were managed in accordance with agreed plans.
Financial Performance of Consultation and Food Safety Information
| Actual June 2005 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Actual June 2006 $(000) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,888 | Revenue Crown | 1,938 | 2,002 | 2,002 |
| 165 | Revenue Other | 6 | 359 | 363 |
| 2,053 | Total Revenue | 1,944 | 2,361 | 2,365 |
| 1,958 | Total Expenses | 1,944 | 2,361 | 2,361 |
| 95 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 4 |
Regulatory Programmes
This output expense covers components of the regulatory programme where arrangements exist to contract or to deliver services. District Health Boards are contracted to provide a range of functions across the public health continuum, including oversight of specified parts of the programme at a local level, investigate cases of foodborne illness and provide a linkage to wider public health areas. The output expense also covers verification services delivered by the NZFSA Verification Agency to the meat and seafood industries.
Performance Measure and results:
Technical compliance with relevant standards and food legislation.
The NZFSA Verification Agency (VA) complied with the relevant standards and food legislation. All internal audits undertaken by NZFSA Compliance and Investigation Group were passed to the required standards, or necessary actions were taken. External audits, including the United States’ Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration were also passed as required.
Services were delivered by the District Health Boards as per annual contracts.
Performance Measure and results:
Integrity of the New Zealand official assurance programme is maintained and
enhanced.
The integrity of the New Zealand official assurance programme was maintained and enhanced. Market access issues, including issues with endosulphan residues in Korea and Enterobacter sakazakii in dairy products in China, were resolved.
Performance Measure and results:
Effective and efficient verification services delivered by NZFSA Verification
Agency.
The VA has continued to deliver verification services and export certification for meat, game and seafood products while at the same time improving internal capability and systems.
Financial Performance of Regulatory Programmes
| Actual June 2005 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2006 $(000) |
Actual June 2006 $(000) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,006 | Revenue Crown | 2,102 | 2,102 | 2,102 |
| 31,679 | Revenue Other | 34,216 | 33,820 | 33,661 |
| 33,685 | Total Revenue | 36,318 | 35,922 | 35,763 |
| 33,685 | Total Expenses | 36,318 | 35,922 | 35,763 |
| - | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | - |
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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