As part of the infant formula market assurance programme, announced by the country’s Minister for Food Safety in June 2013, New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries ( MPI) proposes to make specifications for the manufacture of dairy based formulae for infants and young children under the Animal Products Act 1999.
“Infant formula is an important product that can be the sole source of nutrition for a vulnerable population group,” said Deborah Roche, deputy director-general policy and trade at MPI.
“As such, the specifications propose being more explicit about the technical requirements for infant formula manufacturing in a range of areas from building and equipment design, through to air quality management, ingredient management and packaging.”
“The objectives of the draft specifications support the sustainable growth of New Zealand’s infant formula exports. However, it’s important we ensure these requirements are not overly prescriptive or have unintended consequences for businesses. An industry technical working group assisted in the development of the standard, and we are now seeking wider industry input.”
Submissions are sought from interested parties, and in particular manufacturers, on the consultation paper and draft specifications. Submissions close on 12 September 2014.
The proposed specification is downloadable from the MPI web site.
