Beef + Lamb New Zealand support the actions taken by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in the prosecution of 15 meat wholesalers/retailers and three company Directors for the non-compliant use of sulphites/sulphur dioxide in raw meat.
Charges were laid after an MPI operation in the greater Auckland area in 2013 after meat samples were tested and these cases were heard in the Manukau and Auckland District Courts in late 2014 and early 2015.
None of those prosecuted are part of any major supermarket or high profile butchery chains.
In addition to fines, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Rod Slater says there are serious implications for those found to be non-compliant.
“Make no mistake; there is no room for this type of operator in New Zealand. We take these offences extremely seriously and support MPI’s actions.
