Industry groups welcome government's ratification of TPP
Date: 11 May 2017New Zealand Winegrowers warmly welcomes the government’s announcement of the ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. The future growth of our industry is bound up in having free and fair access into major export markets, said Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers. “The news of the ratification of the TPP agreement signals the importance of improved market access into some of the wealthiest and fastest growing economies in the ... more
Federal Merchants & Co. attain 3 Scottish Whisky brands
Date: 5 May 2017Grants, Glenfiddich and The Balvenie are now distributed solely by Federal Merchants & Co. in NZ New Zealand owned beverage distribution company, Federal Merchants & Co., have today announced the introduction of 3 new international brands to their portfolio: Grants, Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. The introduction of these brands brings the independent distributor’s longstanding portfolio of local and international beverage brands to an impressive 71. Federal Merchants ... more
New Zealand’s fisheries continue to be well managed
Date: 5 May 2017The overwhelming majority of New Zealand’s commercial fisheries are performing well, according to MPI’s latest stock assessments. The Status of New Zealand’s Fisheries report for 2016 released this week shows a record percentage of the tonnage and value of landings of scientifically evaluated stocks have no sustainability issues. The report shows ninety seven percent of scientifically evaluated landings were from stocks above or well above sustainable levels, ... more
FSANZ: Call for submissions on wine processing aids
Date: 27 Apr 2017Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for submissions on an application to permit the use of four new processing aids in wine. FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Mark Booth said the processing aids—chitin-glucan, PVI/PVP co-polymers, ammonium hydrogen sulphite and silver chloride—are already permitted for use in the European Union. “These processing aids are used for various processes including as fining agents and to reduce odours that occur ... more
Sustainable New Zealand seafood promoted in Australia - Sustainable Seafood Day
Date: 31 Mar 2017Photo: Sustainably-caught New Zealand orange roughy Australians are being told to choose New Zealand seafood on Sustainable Seafood Day, which will be celebrated today, 31 March, throughout Australia. This is because over 50% of New Zealand’s wild catch is now certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. Sustainable Seafood Day is an annual initiative by the global certification standard for sustainable seafood, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). It brings ... more
Health star labels help fight obesity
Date: 9 Mar 2017Helping New Zealanders fight obesity by making it easier to shop healthier is the motivation behind a new video on the Health Star Rating system released this week by the NZ Food and Grocery Council. The video is the final in a series, written and presented by dietitian and Registered Nutritionist Nikki Hart, which tackles food subjects people are often confused about: what to eat for breakfast, fad diets, processed foods, and how to use the new Health Star Rating (HSR) system. In ... more
New food plans make law easier for businesses
Date: 8 Feb 2017The government is proposing changes to improve the written plans that it provides for businesses to manage food safety. A consultation, released today, calls on food businesses to decide if the new version is easier to use. The plans – called template food control plans – are used by businesses like restaurants, cafes and delis to comply with the Food Act. Sally Johnston, Manager Food and Beverage at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says “since the law ... more
FSANZ: Call for submissions on new enzyme processing aid
Date: 25 Jan 2017Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) yesterday called for submissions on an application to permit the use of an enzyme (endo β(1,4) xylanase) as a processing aid. FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said the applicant was seeking to use the processing aid to manufacture some cereal products. “FSANZ has undertaken a risk assessment and concluded there are no public health and safety concerns relating to this enzyme,” Mr McCutcheon ... more
FSANZ: Call for submissions on application for a new sweetener
Date: 20 Dec 2016Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for submissions on an application which seeks to permit the use of an alternative (lower calorie) sweetener and bulk filler. FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said Essence Group Pty Ltd had applied for Isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO) to be permitted for use as a novel food. “FSANZ’s safety assessment concluded that for its intended use, IMO was safe for the general population,” Mr McCutcheon said. ... more
Call for submissions on application to increase levels of plant sterols in breakfast cereals
Date: 20 Dec 2016Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today called for submissions on an application to permit increased levels of plant sterols in breakfast cereals. FSANZ’s Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said the applicant, Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing, is seeking to allow increased concentrations of plant sterols, typically known as phytosterols, in portion controlled breakfast cereals. “Plant sterols occur naturally in certain plants and are currently ... more
