Meat Inspectors Come Out Strongly Against Govt Plan To Privatise Meat Inspection Service – Urge Plan To Be Scrapped – PSA

• PSA submission spells out risks to food safety and meat exports

Meat inspectors are warning the Government that its plan to replace independent meat inspectors with company-employed staff is reckless and threatens one of New Zealand’s most important export sectors.

The risks are spelt out in the official PSA submission to MPI (released today and attached) on the controversial proposal to require privatisation of the independent service currently run by State Owned Enterprise AsureQuality.

“Red meat makes up 12% of New Zealand’s exports and commands premium pricing because of our rigorous safety profile. Why would we gamble with that reputation?” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“There is a clear conflict of interest that will put enormous pressure on company inspectors to cut corners and keep production moving, even when food safety is at risk.

“When your pay depends on processing speed and your boss wants maximum throughput, the incentive to overlook defects or rush inspections becomes overwhelming.”

The submission includes comments from experienced independent meat inspectors such as:

• “Undermining the independence of meat inspection places short-term cost-cutting ahead of long-term safety and reputation.”
• “New Zealand’s public meat inspectors are highly trained professionals whose independence is essential for ensuring that meat is rigorously checked for defects and diseases, including contamination such as faecal matter and conditions like cancer.”
• “Their ability to operate without fear of influence or retaliation enables them to uphold strict safety standards that protect consumers, our international reputation, and the integrity of the entire food system.”

“The current system isn’t broken – it’s recognised internationally as world-class,” said Fitzsimons.

“Our members who work on the ground have seen what happens when oversight is reduced – missed defects, contaminated products being passed, corners cut to maintain yields.

“MPI has provided no compelling justification for this change. There’s been no demand from trading partners, no evidence the current system is failing, and no proper cost-benefit analysis.

“AsureQuality’s own analysis carried by BDO also shows costs will rise for small meat processors – this will only advantage large firms.

“The plan appears to be change for change’s sake – making our inspection system worse and more expensive while putting our export reputation at risk.

“The Government should abandon this dangerous proposal and stick with the proven model that has served New Zealand exporters so well.”