Formed as a partnership between government, industry organisations and research institutions, it aims to ensure New Zealand's food safety system remains among the best in the world. It is a virtual centre that will see the best scientists from around the country collaborating on work programmes that cut across different food and beverage sectors.

Industry funders the Dairy Companies Association, the Meat Industry Association and Zespri have committed $2.05 million per annum. The Government will match this contribution, bringing total funding to $4.1 million per annum.

Research partners include host Massey University, along with AgResearch, Cawthron Institute, ESR, Plant and Food Research, the University of Auckland and the University of Otago.

For more information on the New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, visit its website.