- Knowing where a food comes from doesn't tell you whether it's safe or not. All food sold in New Zealand must comply with food safety laws - whether it's imported or locally produced.
- If the label doesn't tell you where a product is from, ask the manufacturer. If you don't get a satisfactory answer, buy another product that gives you more information. The same goes for supermarkets and other food stores: if fresh produce isn't labelled complain to the manager.
- Know the difference between "Made in NZ" and "Product of NZ". Made in NZ could have ingredients from anywhere. Product of NZ means it was grown or produced here.
- Kiwi consumers deserve the same information as Australian consumers are getting. The government should reconsider its position on New Zealand's exemption from the origin-labelling clause in the Food Standards Code.
CoOL NZ
Country of Origin Labelling New Zealand (CoOL NZ) is a coalition of more than 35 consumer groups (including Consumer NZ), producer boards, unions, the Green Party and companies that all believe we must change our law on origin labelling.
CoOL NZ wants our regulations to at least match Australia's. You can find out more at www.cool.org.nz.
More information
- Country of Origin Labelling: www.cool.org.nz
- New Zealand Food Safety Authority: www.nzfsa.govt.nz
More from consumer.org.nz
Report by Belinda Allan
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: Kiwis want origin labelling
