NZFSA seeks comment on sale of raw milk cheese

NZFSA seeks comment on sale of raw milk cheese

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is looking to allow direct imports of Roquefort, a soft raw milk cheese made in France, following an extensive programme of risk assessment work.

It is now consulting with industry groups on a proposal to allow direct imports of Roquefort and extra hard Parmesan style raw milk cheeses Grana Padano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Romano, Asiago and Montasio.

At present small consignments of these cheeses enter New Zealand via Australia under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement. Direct importation will make them more readily available in specialty shops and restaurants.

NZFSA's risk assessment work on Roquefort notes that it is produced under European Community (EC) legislation that sets microbiological, food safety and process hygiene criteria that are similar to those in place for the manufacture of New Zealand cheeses. However it also recommends additional risk mitigation measures such as:

• 100% verification of certificates attesting that the relevant EC standards have been met

• ongoing monitoring of products to check for E. coli levels.

Tim Knox, Director (New Zealand Standards) says: "These measures will not lower the risks associated with Roquefort to the same level as pasteurised dairy products because raw milk cheeses are an inherently higher risk product, but they can lower the risks for most healthy New Zealanders to a level similar to other common risky foods already available in New Zealand."

Allowing the direct importation of these cheeses is a precursor to further work currently being undertaken by NZFSA that will provide for New Zealand manufacturers to produce their own raw milk cheeses and other raw milk dairy products.

"We expect the move will be welcomed by cheese aficionados who have long wanted these types of cheeses to be more readily available here. However we are also keen to ensure that vulnerable groups understand the higher risks posed by soft raw milk cheeses like Roquefort, and other raw milk products."

If the move goes ahead, NZFSA will develop a public education campaign promoting the idea that raw milk products should not be eaten by vulnerable groups such as babies and toddlers, the frail elderly, expectant mums and anyone whose immune system may be weakened by chronic illness, long-term medication or a recent operation.

Food safety material is likely to include leaflets, posters and point-of-sale brochures that will emphasise the need for these groups to check labels to see if the product has been made from pasteurised or unpasteurised milk.

The consultation paper, Proposal to amend Food Standards to allow for the importation and sale of Roquefort cheese and raw milk extra hard grating cheeses, is available on NZFSA's website at: www.nzfsa.govt.nz. Submissions close on 8 June.

ENDS

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