Food safety center to safeguard reputation of New Zealand exports

The New Zealand government on Wednesday launched a new food safety research institute aimed at protecting the country's multi-billion-dollar food exports.

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce and Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew launched the New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre at Massey University in Palmerston North.

"Research will meet the needs of industry, helping to grow exports and ensure local food and beverage businesses have consistent access to foreign markets," Joyce said in a statement.

Industry funders the Dairy Companies Association, the Meat Industry Association and kiwifruit cooperative Zespri were funding the center jointly with the government.

"Our exports are dependent on a robust and internationally credible food safety system," Goodhew said in a statement.

"The research that will be conducted by center partners also aims to protect New Zealanders by minimizing the risks of food-borne illness such as salmonella and campylobacter," said Goodhew.

"It will go beyond short-term, reactive issues to look 'over the horizon' and pre-empt emerging food safety risks across multiple sectors."

The "virtual center" would also draw on the expertise of other universities and research institutes.

According to a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment report last year, the top 100 food and beverage firms collectively generate annual revenue of 51 billion NZ dollars (34.53 billion U.S. dollars). Endit