Supplemented food
Supplemented products have been represented as food but have been modified or had substances added to perform a physiological role. They provide more than simple nutrition. For example, a supplemented product could be milk or yoghurt that has added folic acid.
Requirements for producing supplemented food
The New Zealand Food (Supplemented Food) Standard 2016 sets out what parts of the Food Standards Code do not apply to supplemented food.
New Zealand Food (Supplemented Food) Standard 2016 [PDF, 284 KB]
The supplemented food standard user guide will help you label your supplemented food. The user guide also has a flow chart to help you decide whether your product is a supplemented food or a dietary supplement.
Supplemented food standard user guide [PDF, 670 KB]
Supplemented food incorporates most of the rules for general foods
Most of the regulatory requirements that apply to food under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code also apply to supplemented food.
Applying labelling and composition requirements
Supplemented food is different to food in that:
- substances can be added to food so long as they are safe and suitable, and have not been restricted or banned (for example, vitamins and minerals)
- The label must say "supplemented food".
They must not:
- be specifically formulated for children under the age of 4
- contain substances that are classified under the Medicines Act 1981. These are substances that have a therapeutic effect, or claim to have one.
Medicines Act 1981 – New Zealand Legislation
Making a health claim on supplemented food products
Supplemented foods can advertise health benefits by making a health claim. Supplemented foods need to use an FA5 form for making a claim.
Find out about making a health claim
Notification form FA5 [RTF, 1.6 MB]
Dietary supplements
Dietary supplements are health and wellness products taken orally in controlled dose forms to supplement the diet. Examples are:
- vitamin and mineral supplements
- echinacea
- fish oils
- probiotic tablets.
The Dietary Supplements Regulations
The Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985 are administered by the Medsafe division of the Ministry of Health. The Medsafe website has more information.
Regulation of dietary supplements – Medsafe
Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985 – NZ Legislation
The Dietary Supplements Regulations will expire on 1 March 2026.
In 2021, an extension to the previous expiry date of 1 March 2021 was made through the Food (Continuation of Dietary Supplements) Amendment Bill.
The Food (Continuation of Dietary Supplements) Amendment Bill – New Zealand Parliament
Policy statement on extending the Dietary Supplements Regulations [PDF, 124 KB]
Regulatory Impact Analysis on extending the Dietary Supplements Regulations [PDF, 1.7 MB]
A replacement regime
New regulations for natural health products (including dietary supplements) are being developed.
Read more about a regime for natural health products – Ministry of Health
Who to contact
If you have questions about supplemented food and dietary supplements, email info@mpi.govt.nz
