Agreement between NZ and UK

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has a formal agreement with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to allow co-operation, and sharing of information and resources in common areas.

NZFSA has recently signed a similar agreement with the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (UKFSA). This will give these two nations a similar close relationship to that already shared by New Zealand and Australia. Having such close relationships with other countries ensures good knowledge sharing in areas such as nutrition, labelling and composition.

The Food Standards Agency’s CEO, Tim Smith, said the formal recognition of the union would have benefits for both nations. “This agreement will enable more effective and speedier sharing of information, policy and best practise particularly around emerging issues and food incidents, the science informing our food safety and nutrition work, as well as composition and labelling,” he advised. “In a world where global food production and trade becomes ever more complex, this close working is a major asset in helping us to protect consumers within and across national boundaries, as well as improving the information available.”

“NZFSA and the UKFSA have always had a good and productive working relationship, and we have learned a great deal from each other,” NZFSA Chief Executive, Andrew McKenzie, explained. “Close relationships with the world’s other top food safety authorities are integral for NZFSA to achieve its mandate of protecting consumers. The arrangement cements our strong relationship, and provides us with new opportunities to expand it, particularly in the area of science.”

The ultimate aim of both of these bodies is protecting the consumer in terms of food safety and this agreement can only be of benefit to this.