44409 (2024). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for Food Safety

44409 (2024). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for Food Safety: Does the Minister believe that the new flat rate Food Act levy of up to $115 per year, per site on thousands of small cafes, restaurants and food retailers will decrease those businesses' profit, or increase prices to consumers, or both?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: The new Food Act levy is expected to have minimal impact on businesses and prices to consumers. It is important to ensure our food safety system is sufficiently resourced to deliver services that support New Zealand food businesses to produce and trade safe food, protect public health from foodborne illnesses, and safeguard New Zealand’s reputation as a provider of safe and suitable food to our overseas markets. The previous Government deferred decisions on the Food Act levy proposals, and I have committed to making sure our food safety system is appropriately funded.