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Food waste reduction is good for business, the environment, and people

Food waste is a major issue globally and in New Zealand. During 2020 in New Zealand, household and commercial businesses sent more than 300,000 tonnes of food to the tip (landfill).

The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is leading the government's work on reducing food waste.

Reducing food waste – MfE

How you can help

This web page has information about how your food business can help. You may be able to:

However, also be aware there are rules to follow to do it safely.

Rules around donating food

The Food Act 2014 has a clause that protects businesses if they donate food. It's known as the "Good Samaritan" clause. It means you're not liable if your donated food makes people sick, as long as the food:

  • is safe and suitable when you donate it
  • is given with any information the receiver needs to keep it safe and suitable
  • has its original labelling.

Check the label's date mark before donating food

Food with a shelf life of less than 2 years must have a date mark. This will be shown on the label as:

  • Use by – if the food could make people sick if consumed after a certain date.
  • Best before – if the food declines in quality but is still safe to be consumed.
  • Baked (Bkd) on or similar – if the product is bread with a shelf life of less than 7 days.

Food that has passed its "use by" date must not be donated.

Food marked with a "best before" date can be donated after the date has passed, if it's still fit to eat.

Find out more

Donations of food from commercial sources [PDF, 324 KB]

What the Food Act 2014 says about immunity of food donors – NZ Legislation

Giving away food, fundraising, social, and community events

Food labelling rules

Offering your customers containers for leftovers

In 2018, cafés and restaurants threw away nearly 25,000 tonnes of food.

New Zealand restaurants are responsible for making sure their food is safe to eat at the time they serve or sell it.

It's up to each business to decide if they allow customers to take home their uneaten food. Allowing customers to take home uneaten food will help you reduce food waste.

Supplying food waste for feeding to pigs

Food waste can be supplied for feeding to pigs. But you must be aware of the rules for supplying food waste.

Feeding food waste to pigs and preventing disease

Feeding other types of animals

There are other rules to follow if your business:

  • generates food waste that is likely to be fed to farm animals
  • turns food waste into animal feed.

For example, the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 requires companies making food for animals to ensure that food is not spoiled or contaminated or will otherwise make animals sick if fed to them.

Other relevant rules are in the:

Find out more

Fact sheet: Making food for animals [PDF, 267 KB]

Using pet food, animal feed, and nutritional supplements

Codes of animal welfare

Groups that can help reduce food waste

Government-funded organisations provide food rescue and food donation services across New Zealand.

New Zealand Food Network collects quality surplus and donated bulk food.

New Zealand Food Network

Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance supports local food rescue efforts.

Find a local food rescue or food charity – Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance

Kore Hiakai – Zero Hunger Collective supports community food organisations nationally. It's also working to help solve the root causes of poverty-related hunger.

Kore Hiakai – Zero Hunger Collective

Advice for households

Reducing food waste at home

Who to contact

If you have questions about reducing food waste, email info@mpi.govt.nz

MPI business units