Articles tagged with Food Safety Minister

Government Updates ACVM Bill to Boost Access to Agricultural Chemicals and Vet Medicines

1 month ago | 291 views

The Government is introducing the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Amendment Bill to streamline access to new agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines by reducing regulatory complexity and focusing on real risks. The Bill enables reliance on trusted overseas assessments, expedites approval for low-risk products, and works alongside the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Amendment Bill to create a more adaptive, internationally aligned regulatory framework. These changes aim to enhance safety, trade competitiveness, transparency, and timely decision-making, with the Bill expected to complete parliamentary readings by late 2026.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines ACVM Amendment Bill Ministry for Primary Industries Hazardous Substances and New Organisms HSNO Amendment Bill Primary Production Committee Food Safety Minister New Zealand government agricultural chemicals

Government Streamlines Food Safety Verification for Multi-Site Businesses Nationwide

1 month ago | 248 views

The Government is standardizing food safety verification for multi-site food businesses by implementing consistent site-sampling guidelines, reducing costs, and ensuring all sites are verified over time based on risk levels and performance. Recent measures have saved money for small food businesses through free training, relaxed testing for meat processors, eased requirements for home-based bakers, and simplified export rules. Future plans aim to further cut regulatory costs, simplify processes, and create a fairer, more efficient food safety system responsive to industry needs.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister Government food businesses food safety National Programmes Food Control Plan food exporters regulatory costs

New Research to Improve Food Safety Rules for Deer Hunters in New Zealand

1 month ago | 239 views

New research led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute and Lincoln University aims to provide evidence for more targeted food safety rules regarding deer hunting near brodifacoum bait stations. Current regulations impose a two-kilometre buffer zone for three years after poisoning, limiting commercial hunting access, but evolving science may allow for refined, less restrictive measures. This research will also help maintain New Zealand’s reputation for safe meat exports and support trade assurances.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister Bioeconomy Science Institute Lincoln University deer hunters food safety rules brodifacoum toxicology statistical modelling bait station design

New Pathway Speeds Up Agri-Chemical and Vet Medicine Registration NZ & Australia

2 months ago | 359 views

The New Zealand Government has introduced a pilot program allowing agri-chemical and veterinary medicine companies to register products in both New Zealand and Australia through a single process, reducing duplication. This streamlined approach maintains safety and effectiveness standards while accelerating approvals, benefiting farmers and veterinarians by providing faster access to new products. The initiative follows a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing primary sector access to agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines in both countries.

Tags: New Zealand Australia Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister veterinary medicine agricultural chemicals pilot program product registration primary sector

New Zealand Launches Digital Food Labelling Trial to Boost Consumer Choice

3 months ago | 454 views

The New Zealand Government is launching a 12-month digital labelling trial for approved retailers to reduce barriers to market entry and increase consumer choice, focusing on lower-risk, pre-packaged imported foods. The trial will exempt a small number of retailers from physical labelling requirements while ensuring all safety standards and regulatory oversight remain intact. This initiative aims to test innovative technology, maintain food safety, and inform future food labelling policies in collaboration with Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

Tags: Nicola Willis Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Food Act 2014 digital labelling Food Standards Australia New Zealand Economic Growth Minister Food Safety Minister Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code Expression of Interest

New Food Safety Rules Help Small-Scale Meat Processors Save Costs and Boost Local Food

6 months ago | 637 views

New rule changes reduce sampling and testing requirements for small-scale meat processors, lowering costs while maintaining high food safety standards. These adjustments, developed after consultation with micro operators, aim to ease barriers for small businesses and support local food supplies without compromising safety. The government is committed to balancing oversight with practicality to foster innovation and help primary industries succeed.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister micro abattoirs food safety rule changes sampling requirements small businesses primary industries compliance

Government Eases Regulations for Home-Based Cake Makers to Boost Innovation and Business Growth in Food Sector

8 months ago | 840 views

The Government is cutting red tape for home-based cake makers to reduce costs and simplify registration requirements under the Food Act, aiming to make it easier to operate and innovate in the food sector. The changes are part of a broader work program to address disproportionate regulation and provide more opportunities for individuals to turn their hobby into a business. The Red Tape Tipline is being utilized to gather feedback and make responsive changes, with further plans to reduce regulatory costs, assist businesses in innovation, and streamline processes across the food sector.

Tags: Government red tape cake makers food sector Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard Regulation Minister David Seymour compliance costs business consumers Red Tape Tipline.