NZ: Total Diet Study to look into what’s in our food
Scoop.co.nz: A periodic study that gives the most comprehensive view of what’s in our food over time has begun, says Scott Gallacher, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Deputy Director-General Regulation and Assurance. The New Zealand Total Diet Study (NZTDS) assesses New Zealanders’ exposure to certain chemicals such as agricultural compounds, contaminants and nutrients and it is used to identify any potential food safety risks to consumers, as well as monitoring changes to what we eat over time.
“MPI conducts the study every five years, a task which involves sampling and testing over 130 common foods consumed in a typical New Zealand diet. “Globally, a Total Diet Study is considered a critical tool to identify any food safety risks due to chemicals that might exist. The NZTDS is part of our monitoring and testing programme which ensures we have an accurate, ongoing picture of what is in our food.