A Food Bill was introduced to Parliament in May which aims to overhaul and update the outdated Food Act 1981.  It provides a regulatory framework to enable business to take primary responsibility for the sale of safe and suitable food.  Please cilick on the Read More link below to view questions and answers regarding the Bill.

1. Is there currently a Food Act in New Zealand?

 Yes. It is the Food Act 1981, which is now 30 years old and needs updating. This covers all food for sale in New Zealand.

Ensuring the food available for sale is safe for people to eat is an important part of this.

2. What is the purpose of the Food Bill?

The Food Bill updates and modernises the Food Act 1981. The main purpose is to ensure that the food people buy is safe to eat.

The Food Bill has also been written to ensure that businesses are aware of their responsibilities and do not avoid necessary regulation.

3. What is the focus of the Food Bill?

The Food Bill focuses on food for sale and profit, not the trade of home-grown food between neighbours or within a community.

4. When was the Food Bill first released to the public and when will it become law?

The Food Bill was introduced to Parliament on 26 May 2010. It has been through a public submission process and is now waiting to proceed through the House.

There is no set date on when it will be passed by the House and become law. It is, however, unlikely to progress any further before the general election.

5. Were propagation food seeds unintentionally captured by the Food Bill and what happens when such examples are found?

Yes. Propagation food seeds were unintentionally captured by the Food Bill. When this came to our attention, the recommendation was made to amend the definition of food to ensure propagation food seeds would not be captured by the Food Bill.

When activities are identified as being unintentionally captured, there is the ability in the Food Bill to exempt certain activities from all or any requirements of the Act.

6. What are the current rules around bartering or swapping food?

The Food Act 1981 currently says that you can barter and swap food within communities. It is the responsibility of the person bartering or swapping with that food to ensure it will be safe to eat.

7. Does the Food Bill stop neighbours and communities bartering or swapping food?

It is an age old kiwi tradition for people to grow food for themselves and swap their excess with friends or neighbours. This is unchanged by the Food Bill.

Information on the safe preparation of food, provided as "food handler guidance" tips and advice will be made available, to ensure food is safe to eat.

8. How will fundraising galas and sausage sizzles be treated under the Food Bill?

Fundraising activities can continue as they always have. Organisers of these activities will simply be provided with access to 'food handler guidance' tips and advice on how to ensure food sold to others is safe to eat.

9. Will fundraisers or those bartering or swapping food be required to register anywhere?

No. Those running fundraising activities or bartering and swapping food are not currently required to register and this will not change under the Food Bill.

10. How will people access information and advice on the safe preparation of food?

Information will be provided as 'food handler guidance' tips and advice provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry free of charge on the website, and via territorial authorities throughout the country.

For more information regarding the Food Bill please click here.

(SOURCE: retrieved from www.foodsafety.govt.nz/policy-law/food-bill/key-aspects/questions-answers.htm)