Vet’s Strike No Threat To Local Retail Supply

Tuesday, 20 February 2001, 10:40 am
Press Release: Mediacom press release distribution

The New Zealand Retail Meat and Allied Trades Federation

“The current strike by veterinarians at meatworks around the country poses no threat to the supply of inspected meat to retail supermarkets and butcher shops,” said Barry Whitaker, Executive Officer of the NZ Retail Meat and Allied Trades Federation.

“A few people have been confused by the strike and think that meat for the domestic market is also inspected by veterinarians,” he added.

“All meat sold to the New Zealand consumer is inspected at abattoirs around the country, but that inspection service is provided by MAF inspectors. Export meat companies must meet different standards which require those companies to have veterinarians inspecting stock,” he added.

“Consumers can rest assured that the normal quality systems are in place to ensure meat in supermarkets and butcher shops is of the usual high standard New Zealanders enjoy when they buy meat,” Mr Whitaker concluded.

Ends

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