✨ Food Safety Standards
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
No. 170
Standard 1.4.1
Contaminants and Natural Toxicants
Purpose
This Standard sets out the maximum levels (MLs) of specified metal and non-metal contaminants and natural toxicants in nominated foods. As a general principle, regardless of whether or not a ML exists, the levels of contaminants and natural toxicants in all foods should be kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (the ALARA principle).
A ML has been established only where it serves an effective risk management function and only for those foods which provide a significant contribution to the total dietary exposure. Food not listed in this Standard may contain low levels of contaminants or natural toxicants. However, MLs have not been assigned to these foods because they present a low public health risk. The general provisions of the Food Acts relating to the availability of safe foods apply to all foods.
MLs have been set at levels that are consistent with public health and safety and which are reasonably achievable from sound production and natural resource management practices. Consideration has also been given to Australia’s and New Zealand’s international trade obligations under the World Trade Organization’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement and Technical Barrier to Trade Agreement.
In order to assist both enforcement agencies and industry to maintain contaminant levels at the lowest achievable levels, Generally Expected Levels (GELs), have been established to complement the use of MLs. GELs, while not legally enforceable, provide a benchmark against which to measure contaminant levels in foods. The list of GELS is provided in a separate document to this Standard.
Table of Provisions
1 Interpretation
2 Maximum levels of metal contaminants in food
3 Maximum levels of non metal contaminants in food
4 Maximum levels of natural toxicants from the addition of flavouring substances to food
5 Maximum levels of other natural toxicants in food
6 Sampling plan for mercury in fish and fish products etc.
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Online Sources for this page:
VUW Te Waharoa —
NZ Gazette 2000, No 170
Gazette.govt.nz —
NZ Gazette 2000, No 170
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🏥 Food Contaminants and Natural Toxicants Standards
🏥 Health & Social WelfareFood safety, Contaminants, Toxicants, Maximum levels, Public health, Risk management