The Food Act 2014 provides that importers of food must be
registered and requires that the manner of registration be specified by notice, the
proposed notice will do this.
Regulations to be made under the Food Act will set out two categories of imported food
that may require written clearance for entry into New Zealand. These being:
a) High Regulatory Interest Food , imported food that presents an increased risk to
human health based on the foods inherent nature and hazards associated with it, the
nature of its processing or handling, or the nature of the food safety controls in the
country of origin;
b) Increased Regulatory Interest Food, imported food for which there is some
uncertainty or concern about the risk to the safety and suitability of the food.
The proposed notice sets out which foods are considered High Regulatory Interest and
Increased Regulatory Interest. For each food the requirements and mechanisms for
clearance are also set out.
Regulations to be made under the Food Act will also set out a requirement that when
imported food is required to be tested for clearance the testing must be completed by an
approved laboratory. The Act requires laboratories to be approved by notice. The
proposed notice therefore approves laboratories for testing of imported food.