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20 May 2020
COVID-19 Level 2 for Food Businesses
To help businesses get back up and running to provide safe and suitable food, and minimise the spread of COVID-19, we made it easier to add key operations to businesses, like delivery, transport, and making chilled/frozen food. Territorial Authorities, can you please share the Re-opening or making changes to a food business in Level 2 update on your web sites and social media channels. Read more.
Verification During the COVID-19 response
It's very important that food verification services continue during the COVID-19 response. There will be limited on-site verification visits for Food Act 2014 businesses until further notice. We have set up a Remote Check System of Food Act businesses as an interim measure. For details, visit the COVID-19 dedicated page within the Food Verifiers Academy. Read more.
Food Labels During COVID-19
Food labels play an important role in helping consumers make informed choices about the food they buy and helping them to store and use it safely. Full labelling is not always required, but some important information is always needed, including: name of food; advisory statements and declarations; and information relating to any health claims/nutrition claims. Read more.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Product Recall – Buckwheat Organic Flour
We are reminding manufacturers and importers of food about their responsibility to ensure food they sell is safe and suitable. A recent recall of buckwheat, due to incorrect labelling about the presence of an allergen (gluten), has highlighted the importance of information when making claims about allergens. Read more.
New Micro-learning Modules in Academy
Be on the lookout for four new micro-learning modules in the Food Verifiers Academy this month. These will focus on hot topics, such as: fermented foods; tutin in honey; and better ways to communicate with speakers with English as a second language. Read more.
New Law for Regulating Organic Products
Parliament’s Primary Production Select Committee is now accepting submissions on the Organic Products Bill until 28 May 2020. We encourage you to make your views on the Bill heard to the Committee. Read more.
Delivering QMS Service Remotely
International Accreditation New Zealand – contracted by New Zealand Food Safety to help deliver the Quality Management Assessment Service – has had to adjust to remote assessment under the COVID-19 response. Read more.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Significant Amendments to Custom FCPs
We’ve created a new Changing your custom food control plan web page for businesses that need to make changes to Custom Food Control Plans, including My Food Plans. Read more.
New Practice Note 11
To assist Territorial Authorities (TAs) in their Food Act 2014 co-regulation responsibilities, new Practice Note 11 focuses on cost recovery and some of the areas TAs can consider when setting fees and charges. All Food Act Practice Notes can be found here. Read more.
EVENTS
Restaurant Association COVID-19 Webinars
Sharing COVID-19 food safety updates, New Zealand Food Safety has been presenting at the Restaurant Association of New Zealand’s weekly COVID-19 webinars for the hospitality industry. Non-members are invited to join also, and access is free. To register for 22 May, click here. Read more.
AWARDS
Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award Open
Do you know an individual, team or organisation who has made a significant improvement to food safety in New Zealand? We're seeking nominations for the New Zealand Food Safety-sponsored Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award. Entries close 30 June. Read more.
‘Be Young, Be Food-Safe, Be Heard’ Competition
Do you know any young people (30 years or under) passionate about food safety? If so, encourage them to create a photo, poster or video related to food safety for "Be Young, Be Food-Safe, Be Heard’. The competition is run by the Asia-Pacific region of the Food and Agricultural Organization at the United Nations. Entries close 31 August. Read more.
