Food recalls are an important part of our food safety system
As a final line of defence, recalls act to limit the consequences of a failure or error in food production and protect consumers by removing affected product from supply.
Food businesses undertake consumer-level recalls when products that pose a food safety risk have already been sold to the public.
They can also use trade-level recalls to protect consumers. Trade-level recalls are generally carried out when a product has a food safety or suitability issue and has not yet been sold to the public. Information about trade-level recalls is not part of these annual reports.
New Zealand Food Safety supports food businesses to manage the removal of unsafe food from sale by coordinating all food recalls for food products sold in New Zealand. We work with businesses to ensure the recall is effectively carried out, and with overseas agencies to manage any imported or exported products being recalled.
Food recalls are a sign that our food safety system is working to protect consumers.
What is in the annual reports
In our annual reports on consumer-level recalls, you can find:
- a summary of the recalls for the calendar year
- information on the food safety issues that have influenced recalls
- what types of foods were involved
- the causes of the food recalls
- where the recalled food was from — whether it was made in New Zealand or overseas
- an overview of the communications sent to other countries via the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN)
The annual reports help us to identify trends in the food industry. We use this information to help us find ways to prevent food safety incidents.
Download food recalls annual reports
Consumer-level food recalls annual report 2023 [PDF, 3.2 MB]
Consumer-level food recalls annual report 2022 [PDF, 3.8 MB]
Find out more about food recalls and how we protect consumer safety
Food recall information for consumers
Food recall information for businesses
