Terms of Reference issued for Independent Review of Provisional Import Health Standards for Pig Meat and Pig Meat Products
The independent review panel has requested an extension of the 90-day deadline until the end of March. This request has been granted by the Director-General of MAF.
On the 7th August 2009 the Director-General of the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) agreed to an independent review of provisional Import Health Standards for Pig Meat and Pig Meat Products issued by MAF in April 2009. The review was requested by the New Zealand Pork Industry Board.
Section 22A of the Biosecurity Act 1993 has provision for an independent panel to review whether, in developing an import health standard, there has been sufficient regard to the scientific evidence.
A terms of reference http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/imports/ihs/review22a 
has been issued and an independent review panel has been established from persons consulted under section 22(6) of the Biosecurity Act.
The Independent Review panel consists of the following members:
| Name | Role on Panel |
|---|---|
| Helen Aikman QC | Chairperson |
| James McKean University Professor and Extension Veterinarian, Iowa State University |
Expert on pig diseases |
| John Wilesmith Retired from Weybridge and DEFRA |
Risk analysis expertise |
| Katharina Staerk Professor of Veterinary Public Health, Director, Centre of Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases |
Expert on pig diseases Risk Analysis Expertise |
The panel is expected to complete its work and report its findings to the Director-General within 90 days of commencement. However, the review panel may request extensions if necessary.
Final decisions on the import health standards rest with the Director-General.
This site will be updated to keep you informed on this process.
Page last updated: 9 March 2010