Damien O'Connor

Labour is seeking clarification from the National Government over the implications of its wide reaching food safety bill, Labour Primary Industries spokesman Damien O'Connor says.

"We will not be giving our support to this bill unless a number of areas are clarified including areas affecting small growers.

"I I have asked the select committee for a full update on the Bill including any changes the Government is planning for the Bill, " Damien O'Connor said.

"We do not want to see New Zealand end up with some unwieldy piece of legislation that confuses the retailers and those working in this area particularly those working in volunteer or community settings.

"Labour wants to take a pragmatic approach to this legislation. While we support updating an outdated 30 year old piece of legislation we want to make sure it is replaced with something that is workable for everyone involved," Damien O'Connor said.