Country of origin food information soon to be mandatory

Te Whanganui-a-Tara - New regulations, taking effect this weekend, will give consumers more information about where their food comes from.

Businesses must comply with the new consumer information standards (origin of food) regulations that apply to certain fresh and thawed foods: fruit, vegetables, finfish, shellfish, and cured pork such as ham, bacon, and prosciutto. If these foods are frozen, they must state the country of origin from May 12, 2023.

Mandatory country of origin information will let consumers know where certain food comes from and help them make informed decisions when they are buying those products, the Commerce Commission says.

Foods covered by the regulations will need to state the country of origin on the packaging or on a sign nearby.

For example, bananas from Ecuador will need to be clearly identified as being from Ecuador, either on packaging, labels or signage placed on or next to the shelf.