Why should I read a food label?
Do I have a right to know if the food I am buying from a supermarket is genetically modified or not?
Does the country of origin have to be labelled on food?
I’m allergic to certain foods. Do foods have to be labelled to show that they contain common allergens?
What is the nutrition information panel on the side of my cereal box? Can I trust it?
Why should I read a food label?
Food labels tell you what you are eating so you can choose what to include in your diet. Labels also indicate any precautions you may need to take, such as storage or cooking instructions. A food label contains information that is required by law.There is a good online guide to what should be on a food label by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority.
Do I have a right to know if the food I am buying from a supermarket is genetically modified or not?
Yes. New Zealand law says that genetically modified foods must be labelled so consumers can make informed choices about the food they buy. The Food Standards Code sets out how the food should be labelled. For packaged food, the words ‘genetically modified’ must be used with the name of the food or with the specific ingredient in the ingredient list. Unpackaged food like fruit will need to display the words ‘genetically modified’ with the food. You can also talk to the manufacturer yourself if you want to find out more about a product. The contact details should be on the label. For more information you can visit the Australia New Zealand Food Standards website
Does the country of origin have to be labelled on food?
No, food doesn’t have to be labelled with the country of origin but some manufacturers do this voluntarily. The contact details of the distributor have to be on the food though and if you want you can ask them about the origins of the food.
I’m allergic to certain foods. Do foods have to be labelled to show that they contain common allergens?
Some allergies are life threatening and it’s not always easy to know if the food you are buying contains an allergen or not. The eight most common food allergens have to be on a food label. Make sure you read the label carefully if you are allergic to any of the following:
- cereals containing gluten and their products (eg, wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt)
- crustacea (eg, crayfish, crabs, prawns) and their products
- egg and egg products
- fish and fish products
- milk and milk products
- tree nuts and sesame seeds and their products
- peanuts and soybeans, and their products
- added sulphites in concentrations of 10mg/kg or more
A warning statement is also required for products that contain royal jelly, because any allergic reaction can be severe.
Advisory statements are required on:
- foods that contain bee pollen, aspartame, quinine, guarana, phytosterols, phytosterol esters, and propolis
- low fat milks (including soy and rice milk), kola beverages containing caffeine, unpasteurised egg products, and unpasteurised milk and milk products
If you’re buying take-away food that doesn’t need a label then there has to be a warning or statement alongside the food. In this case, remember to take responsibility for your own allergy and ask if you’re not sure. For more information about allergies, see the Allergy NZ website .
What is the nutrition information panel on the side of my cereal box? Can I trust it?
The Nutrition Information Panel is there - on all packaged food products - to show the average nutrient content of the food you are eating. Under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, this information has to be displayed as part of a product’s label. This information is accurate and can help you plan a balanced diet. For more information you can visit the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website.