3 Lessons to Learn From New Zealand Food Safety
New Zealand’s robust food industry has made impressive headlines in recent years, quickly developing into one of the most advanced systems in the world. Recently, analysts have estimated that the island nation of 5 million people can produce enough food to feed 40 million people every year.
In addition to producing this abundance, New Zealand has also quickly risen through the ranks of food safety with a uniquely innovative and leading-edge approach to protecting public health. Regardless of the country of operation or target consumer market, food and beverage companies across the globe can learn much from New Zealand’s advanced food safety system.
Understanding the New Zealand Food Safety Landscape
New Zealand food safety has developed quickly, thanks in part to the country’s close collaboration with Australia. Now, the system is primarily regulated by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), responsible for overseeing food safety, biosecurity, and food standards. The MPI works in conjunction with both local and international bodies to continuously evolve food standards and maintain the high quality already established.
In partnership with Australia, New Zealand developed the Food Standards Code under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) framework. This joint effort reflects a commitment to harmonize food standards across both countries, facilitating trade and ensuring public health protection by setting out the requirements for food businesses in labeling, contaminants, and food composition.
What Sets New Zealand Food Safety Apart
New Zealand’s food safety system has evolved quickly to meet today’s global standards, but there are a number of approaches inherent in the system that set the country apart from the rest of the world. Some of the most innovative aspects of the island country’s food safety system are:
1. Hands-On Regulatory Oversight of the Meat Industry
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) plays a central role in verifying meat producers’ adherence to food safety regulations. The MPI’s Verification Services frequently inspect products and facilities to confirm operations are adequately addressing risk factors like chemical residues. The government also enforces Overseas Market Access Requirements (OMARs) to align with international standards, including stringent hygiene practices required by other markets, like the U.S. However, regulators also take measures to ensure manufacturers don’t become over-reliant on Verification Services to uphold standards. To help, the MPI has introduced the Optimizing Operator Ownership (Triple O) system to ensure meat producers take a proactive approach.
Takeaway: These rigorous standards and strong collaboration between regulators and producers have resulted in New Zealand’s ability to continue selling its meat products in 147 countries. In fact, no serious food safety incidents have been directly traced back to a meat inspection failure in the country, nor have there been any incidents of corruption associated with New Zealand’s meat products. When food and beverage companies operate as if regulators will inspect every single batch of products, they can achieve similar food safety results.
2. Indigenous Partnerships
The MPI has taken an unusually focused approach to meeting consumer needs for food safety. That includes forging direct partnership with Māori and other indigenous communities to better understand their relationship to food safety — and even applying Māori knowledge and customs in food safety management.
In today’s multicultural and globally connected world, this approach is critical to ensuring all participants in the food system — both producers and consumers — understand the rules of food safety and are taught in languages and frameworks they understand.
Takeaway: While food safety is a universal language, manufacturers can help break down barriers to understanding by opening channels for employees and consumers to ask questions and request clarification, as well as promote those channels so people know they’re available.
3. Listening to Consumer and Citizen Sentiment
Regulators don't just work to build relationships with consumers, they actively solicit their feedback and insight to better improve regulations and food safety practices. Recently, as outlined in their food safety action plan, New Zealand Food Safety conducted a comprehensive study and surveillance campaign to get more insight into food safety attitudes. Now, these findings will be used to shape future regulations and strategy — a type of engagement that’s unprecedented in many countries.
Takeaway: New Zealand’s approach to public involvement highlights the important role consumers themselves play in protecting their health. Food and beverage manufacturers can invest in research to better understand their customers’ food safety preferences and develop campaigns to speak more effectively to them.
Achieve world-class food safety with AIB International
The world’s food safety landscape is constantly evolving to incorporate new standards and best practices — including these valuable lessons from New Zealand. As a result, it’s important to constantly refresh your team’s food safety knowledge to reinforce adherence and ensure their familiarity with the latest policies and procedures.
In addition to on-site audits and expert support in food safety plan development, AIB International offers unparalleled food safety training for frontline workers and management alike. Learn more about our offerings to find the resources your team needs to succeed.
