Category: Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Biosecurity New Zealand has placed import restrictions on tomato seed imports from Australia, after the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus at 2 South Australian growing properties.

“We’ve stepped up our biosecurity requirements in response to the recent finds in South Australia,” says Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director general Stuart Anderson.

“Imported seeds for sowing from Australia will now require testing for the virus prior to arrival in New Zealand, which is a requirement that is already in place for other countries where the virus is present.

“We have also temporarily suspended tomato imports from all Australian states except Queensland, where there is no evidence of the disease or links to the affected properties in South Australia.”

Stuart Anderson says all our imported tomatoes from Australia currently come from Queensland and not South Australia.

“We’re in close contact with our counterparts in Australia about what they’ve found and the measures they are taking, and we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely.

“We’re committed to ensuring New Zealand growers are protected, and that’s why we’ve taken these steps already.”

Stuart Anderson says the virus, which was first noted in the Middle East, has never been found in New Zealand, and affects tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies, causing yellowing and deformity in the host plants, but has no impact on human health.

“There is nothing to suggest the virus is here at present, but as always we ask growers to check their biosecurity practices and be vigilant and contact us on our pests and diseases hotline (0800 80 99 66) if they notice problems with their tomatoes.”

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

An Auckland fish trader has been fined $360,000 and an employee jailed for 3 years and 7 months for both receiving and distributing thousands of dollars in illegally caught fish.

Sea World Limited which traded as Seamart and employee Marco Taukatelata (49) were sentenced on Friday (16 August) at the Auckland District Court on 2 charges under the Fisheries Act. A former company director Haihong Liu (43) was also sentenced on 2 charges under the Fisheries Act to 12 months home detention, including attempting to pervert the course of justice.

“Sea World was both a Licenced Fish Receiver (LFR) and a Dealer in Fish (DIF) which means it could legally receive fish from commercial fishers and distribute that fish to retailers. As part of our investigation fishery officers found that between December 2018 and November 2019, this company acting as an LFR illegally supplied fish valued at over $348,000 to other seafood companies.

“None of this fish was properly recorded and was not reported as landed legally or received legally by Sea World. This was deliberate stealing by stealth that fell outside of the Quota Management System,” says Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries compliance, Steve Ham.

 The amount of fish taken included 38,202 kilograms of snapper, 2,761 kilograms of kahawai and 1,760 kilograms of grey mullet and the total cash benefit to SeaWorld was approximately $348,304.03.

“This offending would not have been possible without the direct involvement of Mr Taukatelata or the assistance of Ms Liu. Our investigation found most of the 97 transactions conducted during the investigation period were in cash. This was a deliberate attempt to hide the transactions and the motivation was financial greed.

“When we find evidence of illegal sales in fish – you can be assured that we will investigate and place the matter before the court.

“The courts response should send a strong message to anyone involved in dealing in black market fish, whether at a low level or commercial level – it’s only a matter of time before you’re caught,” Mr Ham says.

Along with the sentences, a transport truck owned by Sea World and $20,000 cash were forfeited to the Crown.

While this part of the case is completed, there are still other defendants to appear before the court on criminal charges and Fisheries New Zealand cannot provide further comment.

MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is expanding a scholarship programme for tertiary students as part of its efforts to boost on-the-ground support for farmers and growers.

“Ensuring farmers and growers are assisted to adapt to change will help contribute to the government’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of exports within 10 years,” MPI’s director of On Farm Support Dr John Roche says.

“Farmers’ ability to access support hinges on having a highly skilled primary industry advisory sector with the capacity to provide specialised on-the-ground extension services and advice.

“We have decided to offer our On Farm Support Science Scholarships for a second year and to widen eligibility for the programme.

“6 scholarships, worth a total of $30,000, are on offer for the 2025 academic year to tertiary students enrolled in relevant agriculture, horticulture, science, or viticulture degrees.

“We are seeking applications from students who have a genuine interest in joining the agricultural and horticultural advisory sector.

“Applicants must be studying at Massey, Lincoln, Otago, or Waikato universities, or the Eastern Institute of Technology or Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and have completed their first year of study.

“The profession can be hugely rewarding, especially if you like getting out in an orchard or paddock and supporting farmers to improve business performance with advice backed by science and analysis.”

Scholarship recipients receive mentoring and development opportunities from MPI’s On Farm Support team as part of the programme.

One of the inaugural 2024 scholarship recipients, Nerissa Edwards, is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University in Palmerston North. She urges students to apply.

“I have found the scholarship programme hugely beneficial,” Ms Edwards says.

“My On Farm Support mentor has helped me build connections within the advisory sector, leading to an internship with a local advisory company. I am grateful for these relationships and excited to see what opportunities arise when I graduate this year.”

Another 2024 scholarship recipient, Jed McCready, is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University in Canterbury. He says the scholarship has had unexpected benefits.

“Having the majority of my tuition fees covered this year has removed a huge amount of pressure and enabled me to focus on my studies,” Mr McCready says.

“Being mentored by a member of the On Farm Support team has been a valuable part of the scholarship. I’ve been fortunate to attend events, talk with farmers, and grow my networks. It has shown me the importance of applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations in the field.”

Applications for the MPI On Farm Support Science Scholarships opened on 19 August 2024 and close at 5pm on 16 September 2024.

Successful recipients will be chosen by an evaluation panel made up of representatives from across MPI.

On Farm Support science scholarships

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is supporting The Little Bone Broth Company in its recall of all batches and dates of its bone broths due to incomplete information on its food process controls.

“The concern with these broths is that the company has produced them without having complete information on its food process controls. This means there is incomplete evidence of food safety hazards being correctly managed,” says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

“Although there have been no reports of related illness, we are taking this precautionary approach because broth produced without the necessary food safety measures could make people sick.”

The product range includes:

• Premium Free Range Chicken Broth 500ml
• Premium Grass Fed Beef Broth 500ml
• Premium Free Range Chicken Green Thai Curry Broth 500ml

“These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw them out.”

The broths are sold at selected supermarkets and retailers throughout New Zealand.

Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for more information and photographs of the affected product.

The Little Bone Broth Company brand Premium Free Range Chicken Green Thai Curry Broth, Premium Free Range Chicken Broth and Premium Grass Fed Beef Broth

If you have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16 for free advice.

The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.

“As is our usual practice, NZFS will work with The Little Bone Broth Company to prevent this problem recurring,” Mr Arbuckle said.

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur.  Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the NZFS food recall page.

Recalled food products list

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety continues to support the Police in their investigation of methamphetamine disguised as branded lollies, says New Zealand Food Safety Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle.

“People with Rinda-branded pineapple lollies should not consume them and report any of the lollies to the Police,” says Vincent Arbuckle.

“Based on a check of import data and review of retailers there is no evidence that Rinda-branded pineapple lollies, or other products from the brand, are sold by New Zealand retailers.

“There is no indication of a wider food safety issue, but as always we would take quick action should an issue arise,” says Mr Arbuckle.

This is an ongoing criminal investigation, and any inquiries should be directed to the Police.

What to do:

• If you have one of the Rinda branded items, contact Police on 105 or 111 quoting the file number 240813/5919.
• If you are concerned you may have consumed one of these lollies and are feeling unwell, go to your nearest healthcare provider urgently. 
• You can also call the national poison line on 0800 764 766.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Henderson Dairy is recalling specific batches of its Farm Fresh Raw Milk as the product may contain Listeria.

“The concern with this unpasteurised milk is that it may contain Listeria, a foodborne bacterium that can make you sick,” says New Zealand Food Safety acting deputy director-general Jenny Bishop.

“Listeriosis infection can be serious among pregnant people, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.”

The affected products, sold by Henderson Dairy, are:

• 1 litre Farm Fresh Raw Milk batch code 240724 with use-by 280724
• 1 litre Farm Fresh Raw Milk batch code 260724 with use-by 300724.

“These products should not be consumed. Return them to Henderson Dairy for a refund or, if that’s not possible, throw them out.”

Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for the latest information about the recall and photographs of the affected products.

Henderson Dairy brand Farm Fresh Raw Milk (unpasteurised) 1 Litre

“Listeria differs to other harmful bacteria in that it can grow at refrigerator temperatures, so you have to be very careful about the foods you eat, or provide to others, if you or they are in a vulnerable group,” says Ms Bishop.

“It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in the newborn baby.”

Infection in healthy adults is unlikely to be severe, at most causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food. For those in the vulnerable groups, it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks – or even longer – before symptoms appear.

If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16 for free advice.

“Drinking raw milk carries inherent risks, as it may contain harmful bacteria that are killed through the pasteurisation process.”

The products under recall were identified through routine testing, and there have been no reports of associated illness.

“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Henderson Dairy to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence,” Ms Bishop said.

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur.  Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts.

More information on how to subscribe

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Following yesterday’s recall of imported sesame seeds, New Zealand Food Safety is supporting further recalls of sesame seed products due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Media release – 18 July 2024: Recall of sesame seeds due to possible presence of Salmonella

“We have been working hard to identify and contact businesses that received the affected batch of sesame seeds from importer Davis Trading Company,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. “This can be a complex process given the number of businesses involved.”

A number of recalls are being published on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall webpage at present for a range of food businesses.

Recalled food products

“As this is an evolving issue, with additional recalls possible, concerned consumers can reference our recall page for up-to-date information, including pictures, or subscribe to our recall alerts to receive email updates on recalls. Information on how to subscribe is on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall page.

“People can get seriously ill from salmonellosis, so either return the products to the place of purchase or throw them away.

“Symptoms of salmonellosis appear within 12 to 72 hours and include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Illness usually lasts between 4 and 7 days but, in more severe cases, it can go on for up to 10 days and cause more serious illness.”

If you have eaten any of the product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notifications of associated illness.

“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Davis Trading Company to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence,” Mr Arbuckle said.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.