The New Zealand Food Safety Authority will be merged into the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, say Minister of Agriculture and Biosecurity David Carter and Food Safety Minister Kate Wilkinson. Reintegrating NZFSA back into MAF allows for a single organisation focused on the integrity and performance of New Zealand’s biological economy, Mr Carter says.
A single department will be legally created on 1 July, with full integration of the functions of the two departments expected to be completed by December. “It will more closely align some of the key functions supporting the Government’s economic growth goals, including sector performance, sustainable development and trade facilitation,” he said. “Our future prosperity depends on the growth and productivity of our primary industries and in meeting international trade requirements for these products.”
NZFSA has shared responsibility for food safety in New Zealand with Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). NZFSA is responsible for protecting New Zealanders’ health and safety. It ensures food produced, exported and imported by New Zealand is safe, provides input into FSANZ and implements policy. FSANZ develops food standards for both New Zealand and Australia, taking on board advice from NZFSA and other stakeholders.