Latest news with #NZFoodSafety
Scoop
6 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
New Report Highlights Food Safety System At Work
Press Release – NZ Food Safety The 2024 report shows New Zealand Food Safety supported food businesses to conduct 88 consumer-level food recalls. Allergens in food were the leading cause for recalls in 2024, accounting for 46 percent of all recalls. A report by New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) identifies the recall of imported sesame seeds with the potential to cause Salmonella poisoning as last year's biggest food safety event. The Consumer-level food recalls annual report for 2024, published today, says Salmonella was detected during routine testing by a New Zealand business importing the seeds. 'Thanks to the swift action of the team at NZFS, risk to the public was minimised. It was complex and meticulous work, involving testing and tracing potentially affected sesame seeds through the domestic market,' says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. 'As a result of these efforts potentially affected product was identified and removed from shelves. In total there were 15 related recalls where the seeds were used, including as ingredients in other products. Most importantly there were no confirmed reports of related illness. 'Recalls are an important part of our work to protect consumers. New Zealand's food safety system has a strong track record of keeping people safe and – given the volumes of food being produced, manufactured and imported – incidences of related illness remain rare. 'However, there are occasions when food safety issues occur, and that's when we work quickly with food businesses to recall the affected product, removing it from the food supply chain and promoting public awareness. 'Good regulations also play a key role. The rules for imported sesame seeds have recently been strengthened. They now receive more scrutiny at the border to help minimise the risk of Salmonella contamination.' The 2024 report shows New Zealand Food Safety supported food businesses to conduct 88 consumer-level food recalls. 'It's important to note that the number of recalls is not an accurate indicator of the level of risk to consumers. Numbers are dependent on many factors, including regulatory changes, business and public awareness of food-related problems, and reporting of those problems,' says Mr Arbuckle. Of the 88 recalls, 56 were initiated for domestically produced foods and 32 were for imported foods. Allergens in food were the leading cause for recalls in 2024, accounting for 46 percent of all recalls. 'Food recalls are a sign that our food safety system is working to protect consumers,' says Mr Arbuckle. 'You can help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts from the New Zealand Food Safety food recall page: 'With World Food Safety Day coming up on Saturday [7 June] it's a good time to make sure you've got the latest information to help keep you and yours safe.'
Scoop
21-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Proposed Increase To Glyphosate Limits
Press Release – Science Media Centre The proposed amendments change or set maximum residue levels in food sold in NZ for 14 substances, including glyphosate. Glyphosate limits would increase for certain cereal and pea crops, to support existing use as a preharvest herbicide or … NZ Food Safety has proposed changing the residue limits allowed in food for several agricultural compounds. The proposed amendments change or set maximum residue levels in food sold in NZ for 14 substances, including glyphosate (used in Roundup herbicide). Glyphosate limits would increase for certain cereal and pea crops, to 'support existing use' as a preharvest herbicide or dessicant. Submissions on the proposal closed on Friday, and the proposed amendments may progress, be modified, or be withdrawn. The Science Media Centre asked experts to comment. Associate Professor Melanie Kah, School of Environment, University of Auckland, comments: 'NZ Food Safety recently proposed to amend the Maximum Residue Limit for a dozen pesticides. The one for glyphosate raised concerns probably because glyphosate is often taken as an example for toxic pesticides by the public, even though it is a substance with a relatively low toxicity compared to other pesticides. 'The Maximum Residue Limit for glyphosate is proposed to be raised from a default value (0.1 mg/kg) to 10 mg/kg, which is similar or lower compared to Australian and international limits. The change is proposed to reflect potential residues resulting from current uses of glyphosate as pre-harvest desiccant following Good Agricultural Practices (i.e. how the product should be used following label instructions). It does not mean farmers will aim to have that level on produce. Surveys generally indicate that levels of residues are lower than that. 'Rather than focusing on the Maximum Residue Limit value and glyphosate in particular, I would question the practice of using herbicides as pre-harvest desiccant to facilitate harvest, which is a practice that is banned in other parts of the world e.g. Europe, mainly due to concerns related to residues on grains and impact on environmental health.' No conflicts of interest. Professor John D. Potter, Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, comments: 'Glyphosate is a herbicide that now accounts for about 25% of the world's biocide use. 'Glyphosate was identified in 2015 as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer research arm of WHO. It has since been shown, in animal experiments, to also cause changes in intestinal microbes and the structure and permeability (increasing leakiness) of the wall of the intestine as well as altering lipid metabolism. 'Further, as it disrupts these microbes, it is probably altering the structure, function, and balance of those that live in the soil, with knock-on effects on soil quality, crop-raising, etc. It has now been banned and restricted in many countries. 'It is widespread in food and in human blood worldwide. As a consequence, it is difficult to establish the full range of impacts on human health because there are almost no unexposed people to compare with those who are exposed. 'What is clear is that as 'acceptable' levels rise, spraying will result in increased exposure for those who apply this herbicide for a living and for those who live downwind from sprayed crops. 'The Precautionary Principle would suggest that it is up to glyphosate's advocates to prove its safety and, in the absence of such proof, to reduce or eliminate exposure. 'At the very least, Aotearoa's government can be asked why they would choose now, in face of the evidence, to reduce restrictions.' No conflicts of interest. Professor of Toxicology Ian Shaw, School of Physical & Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, comments: 'The government is proposing an increase in the Maximum Residue Level for the herbicide glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) from the default level of 0.1 mg/kg to 10.0 mg/kg. 'Pesticide Maximum Residue Levels are determined by measuring the concentration in a crop that was treated with the pesticide under Good Agricultural Practice. Maximum Residue Levels are trading standards, not consumer safety measures. 'The Acceptable Daily Intake is a consumer safety standard. Estimating glyphosate intake at the proposed new MRL (for example in wheat) shows that the proposed limit is of little or no toxicological concern. For glyphosate, the Acceptable Daily Intake is based on long term effects in rats. 'The government is also revising the genetically modified organism legislation. This might result in the approval of GM glyphosate resistant (Roundup Ready) crops in New Zealand. 'The use of glyphosate on Roundup Ready crops means higher crop residues, which would necessitate a higher Maximum Residue Level to facilitate trade. The cynic in me wonders if the two proposed legislative changes are linked.'
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Proposed Increase To Glyphosate Limits
NZ Food Safety has proposed changing the residue limits allowed in food for several agricultural compounds. The proposed amendments change or set maximum residue levels in food sold in NZ for 14 substances, including glyphosate (used in Roundup herbicide). Glyphosate limits would increase for certain cereal and pea crops, to 'support existing use' as a preharvest herbicide or dessicant. Submissions on the proposal closed on Friday, and the proposed amendments may progress, be modified, or be withdrawn. The Science Media Centre asked experts to comment. Associate Professor Melanie Kah, School of Environment, University of Auckland, comments: 'NZ Food Safety recently proposed to amend the Maximum Residue Limit for a dozen pesticides. The one for glyphosate raised concerns probably because glyphosate is often taken as an example for toxic pesticides by the public, even though it is a substance with a relatively low toxicity compared to other pesticides. 'The Maximum Residue Limit for glyphosate is proposed to be raised from a default value (0.1 mg/kg) to 10 mg/kg, which is similar or lower compared to Australian and international limits. The change is proposed to reflect potential residues resulting from current uses of glyphosate as pre-harvest desiccant following Good Agricultural Practices (i.e. how the product should be used following label instructions). It does not mean farmers will aim to have that level on produce. Surveys generally indicate that levels of residues are lower than that. 'Rather than focusing on the Maximum Residue Limit value and glyphosate in particular, I would question the practice of using herbicides as pre-harvest desiccant to facilitate harvest, which is a practice that is banned in other parts of the world e.g. Europe, mainly due to concerns related to residues on grains and impact on environmental health.' No conflicts of interest. Professor John D. Potter, Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, comments: 'Glyphosate is a herbicide that now accounts for about 25% of the world's biocide use. 'Glyphosate was identified in 2015 as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer research arm of WHO. It has since been shown, in animal experiments, to also cause changes in intestinal microbes and the structure and permeability (increasing leakiness) of the wall of the intestine as well as altering lipid metabolism. 'Further, as it disrupts these microbes, it is probably altering the structure, function, and balance of those that live in the soil, with knock-on effects on soil quality, crop-raising, etc. It has now been banned and restricted in many countries. 'It is widespread in food and in human blood worldwide. As a consequence, it is difficult to establish the full range of impacts on human health because there are almost no unexposed people to compare with those who are exposed. 'What is clear is that as 'acceptable' levels rise, spraying will result in increased exposure for those who apply this herbicide for a living and for those who live downwind from sprayed crops. 'The Precautionary Principle would suggest that it is up to glyphosate's advocates to prove its safety and, in the absence of such proof, to reduce or eliminate exposure. 'At the very least, Aotearoa's government can be asked why they would choose now, in face of the evidence, to reduce restrictions.' No conflicts of interest. Professor of Toxicology Ian Shaw, School of Physical & Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, comments: 'The government is proposing an increase in the Maximum Residue Level for the herbicide glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) from the default level of 0.1 mg/kg to 10.0 mg/kg. 'Pesticide Maximum Residue Levels are determined by measuring the concentration in a crop that was treated with the pesticide under Good Agricultural Practice. Maximum Residue Levels are trading standards, not consumer safety measures. 'The Acceptable Daily Intake is a consumer safety standard. Estimating glyphosate intake at the proposed new MRL (for example in wheat) shows that the proposed limit is of little or no toxicological concern. For glyphosate, the Acceptable Daily Intake is based on long term effects in rats. 'The government is also revising the genetically modified organism legislation. This might result in the approval of GM glyphosate resistant (Roundup Ready) crops in New Zealand. 'The use of glyphosate on Roundup Ready crops means higher crop residues, which would necessitate a higher Maximum Residue Level to facilitate trade. The cynic in me wonders if the two proposed legislative changes are linked.'
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Recall Of Specific Batches Of Ārepa Drinks As They May Cause Injury Due To A Packaging Fault
Press Release – NZ Food Safety The concern with some 300ml bottles of repas The Brain Drink for Performance is that due to a packaging fault the glass on the top of the bottle maybe chipped, says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is supporting Alphagen NZ Limited in its recall of specific batches of Ārepa brand The Brain Drink as it may cause injury due to a packaging fault (chipped top of glass bottle). 'The concern with some 300ml bottles of Ārepa's The Brain Drink for Performance is that due to a packaging fault the glass on the top of the bottle maybe chipped,' says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. Batch details of the specific products are on the NZFS recall page. 'If you have any of these affected products at home, don't drink them. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that's not possible, throw them out.' The affected products – which are sold at supermarkets and retailers nationwide – have been removed from store shelves. They have been exported to Australia and NZFS has contacted the relevant authorities. Visit NZFS's recall page for batch details, up-to-date information and photographs of the affected product. NZFS has received a notification of associated injury. 'As is our usual practice, NZFS will work with Alphagen to understand how this happened and implement corrective actions,' says Mr Arbuckle. The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the NZFS food recall page.
