Food Focus November 2008

In good hands

On 19 December 2008, Sandra Daly, NZFSA Deputy Chief Executive, steps down from her role after nearly 22 years in NZFSA and its various predecessor organisations. She takes the opportunity here to talk about her view of New Zealand’s food safety

Since joining the Research Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (as it was then) in Dunedin in1986, I’ve witnessed extensive change in the agrifood sector – from early work on truffles and deer husbandry to the recent global melamine scandal.

I’ve seen the management of New Zealand’s food safety develop into a professionally coordinated and strategically focused operation, and I’ve seen it taken very seriously by food growers, producers, processors, retailers, and – increasingly – consumers. All of which is a good thing.

Since moving into this area in 1987 and working so closely with some of New Zealand’s most dedicated food safety professionals – scientists, analysts, policy-makers and others – I know that on the eve of my departure from NZFSA I am leaving New Zealand’s food safety in good (clean!) hands.

During the past 20 years, I’ve seen millions of dollars of unnecessary costs removed from the meat and other export sectors of the food industry, international standards put in place to underpin our trading relationships, and our systems and people increasingly recognised and trusted.

The most momentous feature of my time here was of course the establishment of NZFSA as a stand-alone Government department. It was clear that, internationally, food safety authorities were being set up as independent bodies, and with consumer confidence so important both here in New Zealand and in our overseas markets, this was a significant strategic decision. New Zealand’s reputation as a producer of safe food products is due in no small part to the work of my colleagues, along with, of course, the food producers themselves.

Overall, the work that I’ve been privileged to be part of at NZFSA both protects and informs consumers, and at the same time it empowers food producers and processors by giving them viable risk management options. It’s a win-win situation. And, on the odd occasion that things do fall apart, we are well resourced to respond quickly and efficiently (the recent melamine case is a prime example). In my 22 years in New Zealand’s food safety industry I can honestly say I’ve always been confident in the degree of professionalism, competence and dedication of those I’ve worked with.

I’ve loved every minute at NZFSA and am immensely proud of what has been achieved. This is a great organisation and it has delivered a lot to consumers and the New Zealand economy. However, the time has come for me to look at what’s next. I don’t have any specific plans in mind at present, but instead see 2009 as a blank page headed ‘My Next Big Adventure’. I’m excited about the possibilities – there’s plenty of food for thought.

Sandra Daly is Deputy Chief Executive of NZFSA and Director of Communications and Infrastructure.