Food labelling rules vary depending on your buyer
Different labelling rules apply depending on who your food is sold to.
For details and guidance, choose the category that applies to you:
Labelling food or drink for sale to retail customers
Labelling food sold to caterers or food service businesses where the food is eaten straight away
Labelling food supplied to a food manufacturer or processor
Find all guidance documents for labelling food products
Complying with food legislation
Most food for sale in New Zealand must be labelled. There are also rules about what is allowed to go into the food (also known as "composition"). The requirements you must follow are in the Food Act 2014 and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Food Act 2014 — NZ Legislation
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – FSANZ
Allergen labelling – Knowing what’s in your food and how to label it [PDF, 673 KB]
Exporting food and label requirements
Follow the rules for the country you're exporting to.
Exporting food from New Zealand
Advertising on food packages
Advertising or marketing material on food packages must comply with the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Food Act 2014.
The Fair Trading Act prohibits misleading and deceptive content, false representations, and unfair practices. The Act is administered by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and enforced by the Commerce Commission.
Making accurate claims – Commerce Commission NZ
Fair Trading Act 1986 — NZ Legislation
Who to contact
If you have questions about food and drink labelling and composition requirements, email info@mpi.govt.nz
