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Organic Food – NZFSA Policy Statement

Organic food is treated in the same way as all other foods by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA). This means that the same risk management framework for assessing safety and suitability is applied to all food for sale in New Zealand, including organic food, and the products used in its production.

NZFSA will, where appropriate, provide authoritative information in relation to organic food so consumers can make informed decisions.

NZFSA will continue to develop its role as the government certifier for organic food exports.

Background to NZFSA’s organic food policy

Organic agriculture and food production systems avoid or exclude the use of most synthetic pest control compounds and fertilisers, antibiotics, growth promotants, and food additives derived from non-organic sources, as well as genetic modification and irradiation.

Organic food must meet the same safety and suitability standards as other foods for sale in New Zealand. These include, as appropriate, the labelling and composition standards of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (such as requirements for allergen warnings, date markings, manufacturer/distributor/importer contact details, ingredient listing and nutrition information).

NZFSA monitors chemical residues and microbiological hazards in a range of foods, including organic foods. To date no specific concerns have been identified relating to organic food products in general.

Further Information about NZFSA’s organic food policy:

NZFSA’s Official Organic Assurance Programme

NZFSA’s risk management framework

NZFSA Policy on Organic Food: A Background Paper

This page was last updated on 27 April 2009