Your Food News June 2020

12 June 2020

Titiro Update

Many thanks to the verification agencies that are engaging with Titiro to report on Remote Checks. We are starting to see some compliance trends, and we have noted a number of areas that verification agencies must be aware of when uploading verification data. Read more.

Weekly COVID-19 Webinars

Feedback from Food Act 2014 verification agencies and registration authorities about New Zealand Food Safety’s COVID-19 webinars has been very encouraging. We will continue to run these. Register for the webinars here.

Remote Checking – What Next?

While New Zealand Food Safety explores Remote Verification as an option for all Food Act 2014 businesses, on-site verifications can recommence now we are in Alert Level 1. Remote Checking can continue until 31 July 2020. Read more.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Welcome to the new monthly Food News column – Conversations with your Co-regulators – your source for updates and communications from the Co-regulatory Priorities Panel. Read more.

New Verifiers Academy Micro-learning Modules

If you’ve been looking for a fun way to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, or want a bite-sized opportunity to enrich your practice as a verifier, check out the Food Verifiers Academy this month for modules on timely topics. Read more.

Food Labels & COVID-19 Scope Change

During the COVID-19 response, food businesses could extend the scope of their businesses to incorporate delivery, takeaway, meal kits, prepared meals, as well as jams, sauces and chutneys. By changing their Scope of Operations, businesses need to know how labelling rules affect their new products and services. Read more.

New Wine Registration Regulations 2020

Verifiers of wine businesses, please note that the Wine (Wine Standards Management Plan Registration—Required Part) Regulations 2020 came into force on 19 March 2020. There are two key amendments that will affect customised Wine Standards Management Plans (WSMPs) and the significant amendment process for all WSMPs. Read more.

Update: Food Residues Survey Programme

For verifiers of horticulture businesses, we’d like to spotlight New Zealand Food Safety’s Food Residues Survey Programme (FRSP), which was established in 2003 to monitor food safety risks in food available in the New Zealand market. Read more.

NEW PUBLICATIONS

Practice Note 1

An update to Practice Note 1 – Managing re-registration of food businesses has removed reference to the transitional provisions of the Food Act 2014, as the transition is now complete. Read more.

AWARDS

Who’s Your Food Hero?

People working in the New Zealand food industry have gone above and beyond to produce, package and transport safe and suitable food to millions of people during COVID-19. We are celebrating these people through the NZ Food Heroes Award, hosted by Massey University’s New Zealand Food Awards, and sponsored by New Zealand Food Safety. To enter your food heroes, click here. Entries close 31 July. Read more.

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 are seeking nominations for the New Zealand Food Safety-sponsored Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award by 30 June. 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 also invited to join and access is free. These webinars are now held on the first Friday of each month at 10.30am. To register, click here.