Comments invited on NZ MPI shelf-life guide

The New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has released a revised and updated information booklet for the food industry - A Guide to Calculating the Shelf-Life of Foods.

The draft revised guide is intended to help manufacturers and processors of food to determine the shelf life of their food products and to apply appropriate date marking. The draft revised guide describes:

• How shelf life is defined
• The causes of food deterioration and spoilage
• Why food may become unsafe during storage
• How to decide whether a ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date mark is required
• The information needed to work out what the shelf life is
• How to ensure the safety of chilled foods (foods requiring storage at 5°C or less to maintain suitability and safety)

The MPI is inviting comments on the draft revised guide. Submissions close on 31 January 2013. Submissions can be emailed to marion.castle@mpi.govt.nz or submitted by post.

Submitters should include the following information:

• The name and title of the submitter
• Organisation’s name where applicable
• Submitters address and contact details (phone, fax and email if available)
• The title and number of the clause(s) commented on, where appropriate