By James Murray
The Labour Party are seeking clarification on the controversial Food Bill, currently going through Parliament.
The bill has caused concern, with many worried about the implications it will have for small operators who may face unwieldy restrictions on sharing food or trading food at Farmers Markets.
Petitions have been signed and marches have been organised in protest as people worried about their ability to hold sausage sizzles, hangis, give away surplus fruit or grow their own food.
Those who trade in Farmer’s Markets have had most to worry about with Taranaki Farmers' Market chairman Richard Sheldrake telling Fairfax Media that further legislation was unnecessary.
"They're already doing it, so why make it even more complicated," he said.
Now Labour are also voicing concerns through a statement on their website today.
“We will not be giving our support to this bill unless a number of areas are clarified including areas affecting small growers,” says Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor, “I have asked the select committee for a full update on the Bill including any changes the Government is planning for the Bill.”
“We do not want to see New Zealand end up with some unwieldy piece of legislation that confuses the retailers and those working in this area particularly those working in volunteer or community settings.
“Labour wants to take a pragmatic approach to this legislation. While we support updating an outdated 30 year old piece of legislation we want to make sure it is replaced with something that is workable for everyone involved,” O’Connor says.
Yesterday, National MP Jonathan Young assured New Zealanders they have nothing to fear from the bill.
"If people are, on a regular basis, dispensing food to the public for consumption then I think it's a reasonable expectation that they are aware of how to present, handle and store food," he said.
He said people should not worry about internet stories about overseas experiences with similar legislation, and the Government has previously stated the bill will not affect those who grow food and swap it with neighbours or friends.
"Compliance officers over in the US operated too harshly and without impunity and there is a concern in New Zealand that these people would have unfettered authority and I think that is a concern that has to be answered," he said.
3 News
source: newshub archive
