Consumers

NZFSA's role is to protect consumers of New Zealand food and food-related products, no matter where in the world they may be. It is NZFSA's role to ensure that the food we produce and sell in New Zealand is safe, suitable and meets all requirements.

Reduce your risk of getting sick from food by following our easy tips.

Bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses and toxins may contaminate food and cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea or worse. Learn about foodborne illnesses and how to avoid them.

Learn how to stay food safe when you have lower immunity. With on-going illness, medication, a recent hospital stay, pregnancy, being very young or frail, your risk of getting sick from food is higher than normal.

Learn how to carefully prepare, cook and store higher-risk foods to avoid getting sick. Check the list of specific foods to increase your awareness.

Understand how chemicals in food are managed, monitored and controlled. Many foods contain chemical residues, toxins, additives or contaminants. Some are present naturally, others are added during production.

Learn about the causes of allergies, the symptoms and how to avoid the foods your body cannot tolerate.

Learn how to read and interpret food labels. Food labels help you make informed choices about the products you purchase by providing nutritional or consumer safety information.

Safe handling of food is important for everyone whether at home, on the Marae and for large gatherings. Your culture can influence where or how you purchase, gather, prepare, cook, serve and distribute food.

Are you thinking of starting a small food business, selling from a roadside stall or market, or using food for fundraising? Read about the first steps, keeping your customers safe and complying with regulations. This includes packing, storing and transporting food.

Learn which animal diseases can be passed onto people. As well as having the potential to make you unwell, animal diseases are a concern for New Zealand's reputation as a source of safe food products.

Learn more about what GM food is and how it is regulated. The sale of genetically modified food and ingredients and their labelling is tightly controlled in New Zealand.

Learn more about organic food. Food grown organically has to meet the same food safety standards as other foods for sale in New Zealand.

Learn what restrictions apply to foods you may want to bring in or take out of New Zealand whether for personal or commercial use. These restrictions apply for both food you travel with and food delivered by post or courier service.

Hunting, collecting and fishing for wild food may have some risks or restrictions. Learn the difference between a recreational catch and collecting for commercial gain. Also find the food safety requirements for commercial hunters, game estates and homekill service providers. Toxic shellfish alerts are here too.

Check out the free resources you can request from us, to educate and remind people about food safety issues. Also, link to food safety and related organisations in New Zealand and overseas.