MPI charged 15 butchers, three company directors for illegal use of additives in raw meat

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Fifteen butchers and three company directors have been prosecuted for the illegal use of sulphites and sulphur dioxide in raw meat.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) laid charges after an operation in the greater Auckland area in 2013 where samples of meat were taken for sulphites and sulphur dioxide analysis, compliance operations manager Gary Orr said.

The cases were heard in the Manukau and Auckland district courts late last year, and early this year and resulted in fines ranging from $350 to $4500, depending on the scope and severity of offending.

"MPI takes food safety very seriously and our Food Act officers put in a great deal of effort to ensure the public can be confident that food available for purchase in New Zealand is safe and suitable," Mr Orr said.

Sulphites and sulphur dioxide are food additives used as a preservative in some foods.

The additives were only permitted in specified food products, such as sausages, with maximum permitted levels specified and not allowed to be used in raw meat.

Foods containing sulphites or sulphur dioxide can cause serious reactions in certain individuals who were sensitive to them, Mr Orr said.

The illegal use of additives breaches the Food Act 1981 and could result in a fine of up to $5000 for an individual or $20,000 for a body corporate.