Toast

Written By: - Date published: 3:00 pm, July 12th, 2009 - 34 comments
Categories: flip-flop, food, health, national, national/act government - Tags: , ,

Wilkinson Key white breadWhat a horrifying sight today’s Q+A interview with Minister of Food Safety Kate Wilkinson made. It was a shameful performance from a media point of view, with Wilkinson looking ineffectual, implausible and well out of her depth. But from a political point of view it was gobsmacking.

Wilkinson enthusiastically admitted that she didn’t agree with new regulations for the mandatory inclusion of folic acid in all bread (except organic) but pointed to other countries that have it. She also acknowledged that it may be unsafe but then said it is safe but “the science is light” (citing that it was some how not very qualitative or quantitative [wft?]). Wilkinson then went on to say she would review the regulation, presumably with a view to reversing it, after it comes into effect.

Yes folks, after it comes into effect.

Good for the bread packaging and advertising industries I suppose, with all that re-labelling and re-re-labelling that’ll be required, but the bakers aren’t too pleased with such dithering.

Wilkinson’s gross unpreparedness for that interview (or without a crash course, to appear in front of any camera for that matter), was painfully apparent. It looked like she was popping in to the studio for a quick chat with that lovely man Paul Holmes on the way to Sunday bowls. I think she got a surprise. She certainly seemed to me to have come off looking foolish, and the panel’s post-mortem suggested I wasn’t the only one.

Personally, I’m fairly agnostic about the fortification of staple foods. Folic acid deficiency is common in those who don’t eat enough green leafy vegetables (a tell-tale sign is a slight yellowey discolouration above the top lip, like a faint tan moustache). Adequate levels are vital for the healthy spinal development of foetuses. There are suggestions it may also potentiate prostate cancer.

Regardless of the arguments for and against, Wilkinson has oafishly admitted that New Zealand has either surrendered its sovereignty over its food-safety to Australia, or at least can’t be bothered causing any fuss, and is now passing regulations that our own Minister of Food Safety considers could be unsafe.

34 comments on “Toast ”

  1. Anita 1

    Why didn’t Holmes as Wilkinson the very simple question “If you don’t like it, and it will take three months to review, why didn’t you ask for the review at the May meeting?”

  2. torydog 2

    It was cringe making……i almost felt sorry for her (got over that) and was simply horrified at how dreadful she came across…dah dah dah!!!!

    This is what NZ voted for….tragic!!!!!!!

  3. Outofbed 3

    It seems obvious that Sue K would be a much better Food safety Minister

  4. 8 months after an election an yet again a National minister is found out of her depth in a shallow pool

  5. Murray 5

    Wasn’t this regulation introduced by labour?
    To constantly slag off the messengers for their inexperience in interviews is somewhat stupid and pointless.
    Some in National are still finding their feet in a New Government.
    However their relaxed style is still more effective then the carefully structured and controlled interviews given by HC
    And the bland and sometimes hysterical utterances of Phil Goff.

    • Anita 5.1

      Yep, one of the many things srcewed up by the last Labour led government.

      And yep, one of the many things that National could have fixed rather than flailing about. Wilkinson could have dealt with this months ago and we wouldn’t be in this ridiculous position.

  6. Rex Widerstrom 6

    Nice subliminal messaging in the pic there, sprout.

    Indeed if they don’t improve their performance, they will be toast.

  7. torydog 7

    if after 7 months they are still finding their feet i’d suggest they need to be replaced by someone competent…..but, hey, the tories dont like competent, i mean look at their last 4 leaders!!!!!

    There seems to be a mass drugging of the population at the moment…or at least the ones who get polled are on something, as I will never understand how the nats can still be flying high………seriously strange!!!!!!

    • Anita 7.1

      I reckon that polls don’t swing until the next election is actually on the horizon. For most people if they’re rung while trying to eat dinner/watch a tv show/bath the children and asked who they’d vote for the answer will be same-as-last-time.

      Firstly, why would most people waste time thinking about it? Secondly, to swing so early is to admit to having been wrong, to swing at 2 years 6 months is to be a good democratic citizen paying attention.

    • Murray 7.2

      I guess people are so seriously relieved to have dumped that obscenity that is labour

  8. infused 8

    I must say, I will be no longer buying bread once this law comes in to effect. Be it Labour or National, this whole thing is retarded. Mass medicate the whole of New Zealand to save what, one or two people are year?

    Why not target the people at risk. Talk about a lazy way to fix a problem.

    I’ve been wanting to make my own bread for along time, this is a good excuse 🙂

    • Anita 8.1

      Targeting women who aren’t intending to become pregnant but do anyway is notoriously difficult.

      (Not that I support mass medication, but your solution to 10-15 babies born with spina bifida a year (plus about the same number of late terminations) is not actually a solution)

    • r0b 8.2

      Better stop drinking water too infused. It’s probably fluoridated.

      Oh – and mind out for the iodine in salt.

      • infused 8.2.1

        I don’t drink tap water or eat salt. Thanks for the concern though 😉 Water from Petone for the win.

        Despite what people think, you don’t need salt in food.

        • Maynard J 8.2.1.1

          If you make your own bread you will most likely end up doing it differently from mass production methods, so the natural folate will remain in your bread.

          This regulation merely replaced the folate artificially taken out during the processing of mass-baked bread.

          But hey, it will be folate, not folic acid. Let me know if you really notice the difference.

    • Draco T Bastard 8.3

      It’s not really a mass medication but a mass dietary supplement. We need folic acid in our food and we just aren’t getting enough. This seems like a reasonable way to do so. The other alternatives is to persuade everyone to change their diet or we could do nothing and keep getting stung by the extra costs brought about by vitamin deficiency.

      • Anita 8.3.1

        Draco T Bastard,

        We need folic acid in our food and we just aren’t getting enough. This seems like a reasonable way to do so.

        I’m getting enough. Why should the government require me to take a dietary supplement, let alone one that I don’t need?

        • ak 8.3.1.1

          I’m getting enough.

          Skite.

          Why should the government require me to…

          Compulsory crust consumption? Holy doughnuts ‘nita – the NACTORIs have always been more than happy to let people eat cake. (prefer sprouts meself: blogalicious)

        • Ari 8.3.1.2

          Let alone one that there is suspicion could actually be bad for you.

  9. felix 9

    I agree with Anita (and others), this whole approach is crazy. I’d also add that we probably don’t need to be encouraging the consumption of more highly refined flour products.

    r0b, iodine isn’t a compulsory addition to salt.

    infused, good luck with the breadmaking, it can be very satisfying and delicious. Don’t expect to save yourself any coin though, economies of scale and all that.

    • infused 9.1

      Oh I know… it looks more expensive. My grandad use to make bread when I was a kid. I always remember how yummy it was. I think that’s because he added beer to it. lol.

  10. BLiP 10

    Where’s the screaming indignation from the rabid right about freedom of choice in what we eat – or does that freedom apply only in relation to feeding coca-cola and pies to school children?

  11. Oscar 11

    What was missing from this and the TV1 news report was some balance and context.

    I always new there was a reason why I didn’t like silver beet it causes cancer!

  12. gobsmacked 12

    On ‘Breakfast’ today, Key was as feeble on this as Wilkinson yesterday.

    They’d better not add folic acid to fudge. Or waffles. Key would overdose.

  13. Oliver 13

    From what I read of your blog piece you’re criticising Wilkinson for failing to defend an indefensible decision made by a Labour Cabinet Minister.

  14. Daff 14

    the folic thing sounds like packing candies into water tight “condoms”.The funny thing is many smaller children have trouble opening them.

  15. Brian Barry 15

    If we accept this potion in our bread, what will they do next?

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-02T14:21:47+00:00