MPs have been told a bill which overhauls food safety regulations will result in lower standards for New Zealand food.
Parliament's primary production select committee has been hearing submissions on the Food Bill on Friday.
The Society for New Zealand Food Sovereignty says the true purpose of the legislation is to put global trade requirements on to New Zealand food.
Chairperson Robin Harger says international food regulations - which can have lower standards for things like pesticide residue - will be applied to domestic food.
Dr Harger says New Zealand must retain its independence.
"It doesn't need the World Health Organisation, the Food and Agricultural Organisation, who are beholden to these big multinationals, to help it along."
Dr Harger says New Zealand must retain its independence and Parliament should decide on any changes in food standards.
