fbpx
Print this page
Friday, 17 September 2021 11:00

NZPork disappointed at delay to Country of Origin labelling regulations

Written by  Staff Reporters
David Baines, chief executive of NZPork. David Baines, chief executive of NZPork.

NZPork says it is disappointed at further delays to the introduction of Country of Origin labelling regulations.

The Government has announced that regulations covering fresh/chilled food, including pork and cured pork, have been delayed for three months until February 2022.

“We were eagerly awaiting these regulations to come into force in November,” says David Baines, chief executive of NZPork.

He says that without the new regulations, imported pork can be “hidden” in ham and bacon processed in New Zealand under a ‘Made in New Zealand’ label.

“Our research tells us that many consumers are surprised that the pork in these products may be imported from a number of countries.

“That’s why this three month delay is hugely frustrating for our New Zealand farmers when cheaper pork imports, that don’t have to meet New Zealand’s high welfare or environmental standards, can be presented to consumers without clear labelling.

“While we appreciate the delay is due to the disruption and uncertainty caused by business by the re-emergence of Covid-19, we are particularly disappointed that the regulations will not be in place for the Christmas period like we expected,” Baines says.

He adds that despite the regulatory delay NZPork will be encouraging consumers to look on the label and ask retailers for NZ born and raised pork, especially going into the Christmas ham season.

The regulations would enable consumers to be more informed as to where their food is being imported from and what pork is New Zealand born and raised, Baines says.

However, NZPork remains concerned the regulations are not comprehensive because they will not apply to all imported pork.

“The regulations will only cover fresh, chilled pork and cured pork. Pork processed in other ways will not have to be labelled. That means imported pork would be labelled with its country of origin if presented as ‘fresh’ (chilled), while the same product, if marinated or infused, would sit alongside New Zealand pork and escape the need for labelling as imported.”

Initially, the Government announced a delay to regulations in May 2020 as part of its measures to manage business disruption due to Covid-19.

More like this

NZPork wants curbs on imports

New Zealand’s pork sector is calling for a ban on pork imported from countries with African Swine Fever (ASF) until New Zealand has assurance that robust biosecurity protocols are in place in those nations impacted by the disease.

Pig ignorant!

OPINION: Your old mate notes that regulations governing NZ's pig sector could end up seeing us running out of locally produced pork - like we are currently experiencing with eggs.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

AGTEK and ARGO part ways

After 12 years of representing the Landini and McCormick brands in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty-based AGTEK and the brands’…

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…