56418 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Food Safety

56418 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Food Safety: What risk assessments, if any, has the Ministry for Primary Industries completed on food safety impacts from shifting inspection responsibility from independent government inspectors to meat company staff?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) advises that the proposals provided for in the following draft Animal Products Notices that are currently being consulted (closes 23 January 2026) have been developed in line with international guidelines (Codex Alimentarius Code of Hygienic Practice for Meat), the intent of the Animal Products Act 1999 and to meet the expectations of our overseas markets: ⦁ Animal Products Notice: Specified Meat for Export with Official Assurance ⦁ Animal Products Notice: Official Assessors. Prior to releasing the draft Animal Products Notices, MPI considered a range of risks, including food safety, operator capacity and capability and market acceptance. MPI will be considering all submissions and feedback received on its proposals before making final decisions in early 2026.