Vote Food Safety
The output expenses within Vote Food Safety contribute to MAF achieving the following intermediate outcomes:
- Policies and interventions to foster innovation and growth in the sectors.
- Effective and efficient regulatory regimes for the sectors.
- Maintained and enhanced market access for agricultural, food and forestry products and reduced market distortions resulting from trade rules and market interventions.
- Credible and trusted animal and plant product assurances.
- Balanced export and import regime covering the safety and suitability aspects of trade in animal and plant products.
- Safe and suitable food for New Zealanders.
Food Safety Policy Advice
This includes purchasing policy advice and decision-making support for the Minister and the Government on food safety and related issues. It includes analysis and advice on legislation and policy to be applied to all aspects of food administration and administration of agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines ensuring a robust, modern, comprehensive legislative base, implementation tools, and mechanisms to measure its effectiveness. Services to assist the Minister are also included.
Performance Measure and results:
All policy advice conforms with criteria set out in Schedule A of the SOI to provide a whole-of-government approach to strategic food policy issues; whether they be responding to Ministerial Services, the lifecycle of policy development (reviews, amendments, implementation, regulation and cost recovery), advice to delegations for bilateral and international forums, or joint food standards setting with Australia (including contributing to Food Standards Australia and New Zealand).
NZFSA's structured approach to developing policy advice included extensive internal and external consultation, and had a rigorous internal quality assurance system as set out in Schedule A, ensuring high quality policy advice to the Minister. Feedback from the Minister for Food Safety indicated general satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of advice provided. The Minister indicated particular satisfaction with the regular reporting on work programmes and current issues. We provided Ministerial services in accordance with the Vote Food Safety Output Plan - a dedicated ministerial co-ordination function ensuring timeliness and quality. The Minister indicated particular satisfaction with the quality of ministerial correspondence prepared for her signature. Our focus on meeting all statutory requirements ensured no issues were raised by the Regulations Review Committee in response to reports provided by NZFSA.
Financial Performance
| Actual June 2006 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Actual June 2007 $(000) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,378 | Revenue Crown | 2,423 | 2,455 | 2,455 |
| 21 | Revenue Other | 21 | 21 | 16 |
| 2,399 | Total Revenue | 2,444 | 2,476 | 2,471 |
| 2,285 | Total Expenses | 2,444 | 2,476 | 2,456 |
| 114 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 15 |
Regulatory Standards
This covers the setting of technical standards for food and food-related products. It ensures that food and food-related products are produced in accordance with New Zealand legislation and, where appropriate, meet the requirements negotiated with countries importing New Zealand products to enable the provision of official assurances necessary for market access and to otherwise meet “agreed levels of consumer protection”. It includes standards for ancillary legislation associated with controls on inputs into food and covers the setting of operational standards and the development of monitoring and review mechanisms to measure performance and to support reports to the Minister as well as provision of official assurances.
Performance Measure and results:
All standards and accreditation programmes are reviewed according to a schedule agreed with the Director accountable for the particular area or legislation.
We developed standards and reviewed most accreditation programmes (with the exception noted below) according to the schedules agreed through business plans between the Directors accountable and the Executive-Director of NZFSA.
NEW ZEALAND STANDARDS: 90 percent of specific standards and programmes were developed and implemented in accordance with the agreed schedule. The remaining ten percent were initiated (and are still to be completed) or were deferred to 2007/08 following a review of the schedule with the Director during the year. We met the agreed deliverables for Strategic Initiatives (including standards and programmes required for the Domestic Food Review, Imported Food Review, Animal Products Act implementation and Wine Act implementation).
Performance Measure and results:
All standards and accreditation programmes are reviewed according to a schedule agreed with the Director accountable for the particular area or legislation.
APPROVALS: We provided approvals for persons, plans, premises, products and chemicals in accordance with NZFSA technical standards and specifications and/or relevant legislation. We also suspended or revoked approvals where required. We developed a framework for approvals and implemented it as a key deliverable of NZFSA's rationalisation initiative. We also regularly updated and maintained public registers and lists.
AGRICULTURAL COMPOUNDS AND VETERINARY MEDICINES (ACVM): We updated Maximum Residue Limit standards and ACVM standards and guidelines regularly during the year to reflect New Zealand and export market requirements for new or changed products and uses. We also updated New Zealand's position on antimicrobial resistance as it was identified as an NZFSA initiative. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Australia's Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and alignment priorities were agreed. We developed a work plan to reduce regulatory compliance time and costs over the next five years.
EXPORT STANDARDS: We continued work on an export standard setting framework to ensure effectiveness, consistency and transparency in setting standards. To secure market access for our exports, we maintained product certification, progressed enhancements to the Export Assurance Programme, and notified technical requirements or negotiated changes in bilateral agreements for importing countries to exporters. We implemented an Export Plants Residue Programme and maintained a number of programmes and systems across industries. These included the Laboratory Approvals Scheme regulatory programme, the Organic Official Assurance Programme, the Export Residue Programmes for animal products, and negotiating and developing enhancements to the EU Butter and Cheese Quota management system. We implemented the Animal Products Act and Wine Act export provisions in accordance with legislative deadlines. We completed many bilateral agreements and maintained existing bilateral relationships. We contributed to FTAs from a SPS perspective, and represented New Zealand in international forums for developing international standards. This work is critical in influencing international forums to adhere to agreed SPS principles when developing standards.
SCIENCE: We completed a qualitative risk assessment for raw milk Roquefort cheese from France and have been developing a risk assessment model for pasteurised and non-pasteurised milk. We produced a quantitative risk model: Campylobacter spp. in the poultry food chain to help determine risk management interventions. We participated in a number of international and national working groups and New Zealand was asked to lead, in cooperation with Sweden, the development of a new international 'Code of Hygienic Practice for Salmonella and Campylobacter in Young Chickens (Broilers) and Chicken Meat'. We have been developing a strategy to ensure a balanced approach between New Zealand's import and export regimes in relation to levels of risk using a risk-based science approach and through consultation, taking regard of animal health, human health and environmental biosecurity issues.
Financial Performance
| Actual June 2006 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Actual June 2007 $(000) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16,500 | Revenue Crown | 15,419 | 16,273 | 16,273 |
| 15,917 | Revenue Other | 18,550 | 22,093 | 17,519 |
| 32,417 | Total Revenue | 33,969 | 38,366 | 33,792 |
| 32,213 | Total Expenses | 33,969 | 38,366 | 33,747 |
| 204 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 45 |
Response to Food Safety Emergencies
This covers food safety emergencies, which are to be expected and must be handled in a systematic manner; the setting of standards for this purpose is also covered. It also includes food safety emergencies where there is a need to be prepared for such emergencies and to handle events in a systematic manner to reduce threats to human health and/or impacts on the integrity of the programme. It includes the co-ordination of routine food recalls and communication with affected parties and those at risk, as well as the responses to food safety emergencies. Responses are demand driven and budgeted for on a case-by-case basis.
Performance Measure and results:
Systems and measures to limit the impact of events that pose a threat to human health or to the integrity of the New Zealand food safety programme are maintained. This is achieved through the provision of standards, systems and arrangements to manage food recalls effectively, and to show preparedness in response to issues that are routine and/or emergency situations.
We maintained systems and measures through a number of activities. We continued the on-going review into incident response and food recall procedures. We have progressed the Emergency Management Framework review in accordance with the agreed timetable and have been applying project management methodology to the review. A survey conducted on the effectiveness of food recall notices confirmed our current procedures are working well.
Performance Measure and results:
Emergency responses are managed in an effective manner limiting adverse impacts on health and the integrity of New Zealand food safety programmes.
We managed the 57 food recalls/withdrawals or incidents that occurred over the year. There were no adverse impacts on health and the integrity of New Zealand's food safety programme's systems and measures were maintained. We applied incident response and food recall procedures in all cases.
Financial Performance
| Actual June 2006 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Actual June 2007 $(000) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 236 | Revenue Crown | 236 | 364 | 364 |
| 3 | Revenue Other | - | - | 5 |
| 239 | Total Revenue | 236 | 364 | 369 |
| 235 | Total Expenses | 236 | 364 | 364 |
| 4 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 5 |
Systems Audit and Enforcement
This covers the audit of component systems and specific areas within the regulatory programme, as well as investigations of problems, complaints and suspected breaches of legislation. It covers obtaining the necessary evidence that the programme is effective in meeting public objectives and is being enforced.
Performance Measure and results:
Audit reports produced for each audit.
Audit reports were completed for each systems and specific area audits for the period. These reports complied with the current quality system procedures. Timeliness of completion of audit reports has improved with the introduction of the “Information Leader”, however this remains an area for further improvement.
Performance Measure and results:
Assurances provided that delivery is in accordance with NZFSA or other relevant standard.
We continued to provide assurances that delivery is in accordance with relevant standards, through special, allocated and internal audit results. Where non-compliance was found, we applied appropriate corrective actions or sanctions to ensure the re-establishment of substantial compliance.
Financial Performance
| Actual June 2006 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Actual June 2007 $(000) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,424 | Revenue Crown | 2,448 | 2,654 | 2,654 |
| 1,417 | Revenue Other | 1,418 | 1,500 | 1,468 |
| 3,841 | Total Revenue | 3,866 | 4,154 | 4,122 |
| 3,723 | Total Expenses | 3,866 | 4,154 | 3,976 |
| 118 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 146 |
Consultation and Food Safety Information
This covers consultation with stakeholders (including the public) and involves the Food Safety Advisory Board, the Consumers Forum and the Officials' Committee on Food Safety. It covers communication of food safety information including all regulatory and other relevant matters to stakeholders and managing issues from a communication perspective.
Performance Measure and results:
Consultation and food safety information provided in line with agreed programmes and meets the needs of the majority of stakeholders.
We continued to consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Food Safety Advisory Board, the Consumers' Forum and the Officials' Committee on Food Safety, as well as industry groups, public health representatives and the general public. We also developed and implemented a food safety information programme including publications, fact sheets, newsletters, websites, discussion documents and other material. We managed any issues effectively and kept key stakeholders informed of events as they arose.
Financial Performance
| Actual June 2006 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Actual June 2007 $(000) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,002 | Revenue Crown | 2,016 | 2,150 | 2,150 |
| 363 | Revenue Other | 359 | 683 | 455 |
| 2,365 | Total Revenue | 2,375 | 2,833 | 2,605 |
| 2,361 | Total Expenses | 2,375 | 2,833 | 2,821 |
| 4 | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | (216) |
Regulatory Programmes
This covers primary components of the regulatory programmes where arrangements exist to contract out regulatory services. District Health Boards are jointly contracted with the Ministry of Health to provide a range of functions across the public health continuum. District Health Boards provide NZFSA with oversight of parts of the programme at a local level, investigate possible cases of food-borne illness and provide a link to wider public health areas. The NZFSA Verification Agency provides verification functions to the meat and seafood industries.
Performance Measure and results:
Technical compliance with relevant standards and food legislation.
We put in place contracts with each of the 12 District Health Boards/Public Health Units which included performance standards and reporting requirements. We received and reviewed monthly activity reports and six-monthly service delivery reports - all performance standards were successfully achieved.
We also held regular technical liaison meetings with food safety co-ordinators and our links with Public Health Unit Managers have improved through face-to-face meetings and regular communication. We completed work plans and all reporting requirements and developed and implemented internal processes for contract amendments. Officers were designated to enable administration of the Food Act. Standard setting inputs are now being managed via work plans and project plans.
Performance Measure and results:
Effective and efficient verification services delivered by NZFSA Verification Agency.
Internal audits of our Verification Agency's services were undertaken by NZFSA's Compliance and Investigation Group and these were passed to the required standards or necessary actions were taken. External audits including the United States' and EU's audit of New Zealand's meat programme were also passed as required. These results were achieved through a minimal number of complaints from stakeholders and through maintenance of International Accreditation New Zealand registration.
Performance Measure and results:
Integrity of the New Zealand official assurance programme is maintained and enhanced.
The integrity of the New Zealand official assurance programme was maintained and enhanced. Market access issues were resolved and NZFSA's Market Access Strategy and work programme was prioritised by market and industry sector key initiatives to achieve confidence in the New Zealand official assurance programme. No New Zealand shipments were rejected on the basis of official assurances provided by NZFSA. The Minister's Fortnightly Report summarises other specific examples of success in maintaining and enhancing the programme.
Financial Performance
| Actual June 2006 $(000) |
Main Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Supp Estimates June 2007 $(000) |
Actual June 2007 $(000) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,102 | Revenue Crown | 2,207 | 2,165 | 2,165 |
| 33,661 | Revenue Other | 33,820 | 35,594 | 35,589 |
| 35,763 | Total Revenue | 36,027 | 37,759 | 37,754 |
| 35,763 | Total Expenses | 36,027 | 37,759 | 37,715 |
| - | Surplus/(Deficit) | - | - | 39 |
Schedule A
Schedule of performance criteria for the quality of policy advice
Policy advice delivered through this output expense must underpin effective decision-making by Ministers and the Government. To maximise the quality of Ministerial and government decision-making, policy advice must meet the measures of:
Process Integrity
- Compliance with formal Cabinet Office, Ministerial and other requirements governing policy advice.
- Fulfilment of MAF peer review, consultative, evaluation and other requirements governing the structure and process for developing policy advice.
Fitness for Purpose
- Relevant to the issues being addressed.
- Responsive to the Government's policy objectives, desired outcomes, portfolio commitments and obligations.
- Evidence-based and accurate.
- Frank and dispassionate.
- Timely.
- Clear, unambiguous and appropriate for the audience.
- Applies managing for outcomes and intervention logic methods and disciplines.
- Gives Minister clear guidance and specific recommendations.
- Accepted by Ministers or other recipients as meeting their needs.
Comprehensiveness
- Identifies all relevant options.
- Takes account of all relevant factors and ramifications, including regulatory impacts, compliance costs, changed incentives and unintended consequences.
- Is based on comprehensive consultation.
- Takes account of, and where appropriate gives direction on, the longer-term strategic implications, opportunities and ramifications.
- Lends itself to monitoring, evaluation and future refinements or enhancements.
Contact for Enquiries
Strategy and Performance Group
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 894 0100
Fax: +64 4 894 0738
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