Food News 23 Decmeber 2021
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23 December 2021
Protection Framework Guidance
Guidance has been published to help Food Businesses operating under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights system). Food businesses should follow this guidance to protect the health and safety of staff and customers. Read more.
Sugar recall due to lead concerns
Territorial Authorities and verifiers, please note Chelsea Sugar New Zealand recently recalled raw sugar, brown sugar and molasses because of low-level lead contamination. More information, including specific batch details, is available on our recall page. Read more.
AFRA launches Food Safety Guide
The Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance (AFRA) had Minister for Food Safety Hon. Ayesha Verrall, virtually launch the publication of a food rescue food safety guide. Many food businesses have incorporated 'donating food' guidance into their activities. Read more.
Have Your Say
New Regulations and transitional arrangements for Regulatory Redesign
For verifiers who work across multiple food safety acts, Cabinet has agreed on transitional arrangements to support a smooth and timely transition when the newly redesigned Animal Products and Wine Regulations, and related Notices commence on 1 July 2022. For details, visit the web page here. Read more.
Review of Kava Standard by FSANZ
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has prepared an urgent proposal to clarify the existing permissions for kava in the Food Standards Code. A call for public comments, including proposed changes to the Code opened on 10 December 2021 and will close at 8pm on 23 December 2021. More information can be found on the FSANZ website Proposal-P1057--Review-of-the-kava-standard. Read more.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Titiro Update: Validation checks on Verification Data
In Food News October 2021, we informed you that the roll-out of the checks was planned to occur on 15 November 2021. Due to delay, this will now happen at the end of January 2022. You can refer to the October issue for details on what changes are happening. Read more.
Update on the Template Review Project
New Zealand Food Safety is reviewing the National Programmes (1, 2 and 3), My Food Plan, Simply Safe & Suitable and the Food Safety Template for Cheesemakers to make sure these documents are up-to-date, fit-for-purpose, and easy-to-use for food businesses operating under the Food Act 2014. Read more.
CPD Programme Learning Activities Examples
Unsure what learning activities to do for your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points? Check out the new Example Timecard on the CPD Guide. It will give you some inspiration to choose your learning activities for this CPD year. If you have any questions or concerns contact ContinuingProfessionalDev@mpi.govt.nz. Read more.
Transitional Requirements for businesses with expanded COVID-19 scope
Registration Authorities: during the COVID-19 response, some food businesses changed Scope of Operations to include delivery, transport, takeaway, meal kits, making jams, sauces and chutneys and/or making chilled/frozen food. Food businesses who temporarily changed Scope of Operation during the COVID-19 response are now required to transition by 24 December 2021. Read more.
Happy Holidays
Ngā mihi, from Food News!
Many thanks to everyone who has read, contributed to, and/or shared feedback about Food News this year – very much appreciated. We look forward to sharing the next Food News with you in February 2022.
We now have 1,170 active unique subscribers. All feedback about Food News is most welcome via foodactinfo@mpi.govt.nz until 2022, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Read more.
