New Zealand Food Safety has released a new publication that provides foundation food safety information for directors, executives and owners of food businesses.
New Zealand Food Safety's director of food regulation, Paul Dansted said the guide, titled Food safety: Good governance guide for directors, executives and business owners, has been developed with the support of the Institute of Directors and is designed to assist directors, executives and business owners understand their responsibilities in relation to food safety and to improve food safety culture in their businesses.
"The new guide contains information on the importance of food governance, responsibilities and roles in assuring food safety performance, and tools to monitor and verify food safety system performance,” he said. "Having a strong food safety culture is vital. It's important for the health of our consumers and the strength of our economy that New Zealand food continues to be safe and suitable and we protect our good reputation. Most food business owners, managers, and staff have an inherent sense of pride in what they are doing and are motivated to build and maintain a good reputation for their business.
"However, more businesses need to adopt specific food safety goals, key performance indicators, and formal rewards systems for staff who identify food safety problems. We also recommend that businesses develop a more inclusive and shared sense of responsibility for food safety across the whole organisation supply chain.”
The Institute of Directors supports directors and boards understanding their role in food safety governance. Institute of Directors president Liz Coutts stressed that a thriving food industry underpins New Zealand's economy and future prosperity.
"Food safety is critical to trust and confidence in our products and services,” she said. “Boards and directors have a key role in driving excellence in food safety governance to ensure the long-term sustainability of their organisations and industries. I encourage directors to make sure food safety is on the board agenda and to use this guide to help ensure we raise food safety standards in New Zealand.”
