Overhaul of food safety regulations overdue

1 July 2005

Overhaul of food safety regulations overdue

The Food Safety Authority’s review of national food safety rules is long overdue according to the Institute of Environmental Health.

“The Current Food Hygiene Regulations date back to 1974 and do not reflect present day risk management principles. They are unnecessarily prescriptive and inflexible and do not adequately address food safety hazards,” said Institute Executive Director, Alan Eyles.

“It is disappointing that public debate around the Domestic Food Review has focused on sausage sizzles and cake stalls, when the review is much wider potentially impacting on the way that all food businesses operate,” said Alan.

The review also raises significant questions around the continued role and responsibilities of local authority environmental health officers and, district health board, health protection officers in monitoring compliance with future food safety standards.

Alan stated, “As the professional body that represents those engaged in monitoring and enforcing compliance with current food safety legislation the Institute wants to be sure that any new regulatory regime will deliver results.”

The Food Safety Authority’s recently released Discussion Paper 6, Compliance and Sanctions, will be of interest to both food businesses and Institute members tasked with enforcing food safety standards.

ENDS

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