Ruapehu firms keen to learn how new Food Act affects their businesses

Ruapehu District Council joined with the Ministry of Primary Industries to run a series of workshops in Taumarunui and Ohakune for local businesses impacted by the new Food Act.

Ruapehu District Council joined the Ministry for Primary Industries to run workshops in Taumarunui and Ohakune last week for local businesses impacted by the new Food Act.

Around 50 people attended both workshops to find out what the new law means for their business or organisation.

Ruapehu Environmental Health Officer Phoebe Harrison said that in addition to Ruapehu's large hospitality and producer sectors the new act affects anyone else involved in the selling, making or transportation of food.

"This means that some areas involved in the food supply chain that have previously fallen through the cracks, such as school canteens, hostels, people making preserves and baking at home to sell now all need to meet the new requirements.

"The workshops highlighted that more work was required on how ski lodges will fit into the new act, with some using contractors to prepare meals, some employing chefs and some allowing members to prepare their own food.

"The ministry was able to take away a list of scenarios from the workshops regarding the lodges that will be used to help prepare some guidance on how to proceed."

Ms Harrison said council was happy that so many businesses took advantage of the ministry being at the workshops and came along to have their questions answered directly from the experts.

"Businesses who attended now understand exactly where they fit in under the new regulations and whether they operate under a food control plan or a national programme.

"Because the act is not a one-size-fits-all approach and aims to regulate businesses according to risk there has been some confusion about where individual businesses fit in.

"Anyone who was unable to come along and has outstanding questions should call the Environmental Health team here at council so we can assist.

"We will also be running further workshops later in the year."