A change that will make imported food safer for consumers has come into effect since the 1st of August. These strengthened requirements apply to all New Zealand food importers.
"The changes clarify the role and responsibilities of food importers when they bring food into New Zealand, to ensure that the food is safe and suitable for Kiwi consumers," said New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
"Most food importers won't have to make any changes to comply with the new rules, some will have to make minor tweaks, and a small number will have to improve their procedures dramatically."
New Zealand Food Safety encourages all registered food importers to go and check the Ministry for Primary Industries website to ensure they follow the updated rules.
The rule changes are detailed in a Food Notice that was issued in February 2023, and they provide detailed requirements for four key areas for food importers. The food importer must conduct a safety and suitability assessment before the food is brought to New Zealand, ensure the food is stored and transported safely, keep proper records, and have a recall plan in case anything goes wrong.
"Food importers have always had to ensure their food is safe and suitable; the new rules clarify what they need to do to meet their responsibilities."
Arbuckle said that New Zealand Food Safety was sure importers and retailers would like to avoid expensive recalls, like those seen recently with frozen berries and tahini, and complying with these new rules will help to ensure food is safe and minimise the likelihood of things going wrong.
"This means that consumers can be confident that all imported food is subject to consistently high safety standards."
New Zealand Food Safety began consultations with the industry about the new rules in June 2022 and has regularly contacted food importers about the strengthened rules so they have had plenty of time to prepare.
Food importers who fail to follow safety rules can face fines of up to $500,000 for the company, while an individual can be fined up to $100,000 and be jailed for up to two years.
