NZ food labelling law exists to give consumers the information they need to make informed, safe purchases. For producers, that means a set of mandatory elements on nearly every packaged food product. Getting these wrong isn’t just a compliance issue — it can mean costly recalls.
The mandatory elements
Every packaged food label sold in NZ must carry:
- Product name — clear, not misleading, not implying characteristics the product doesn’t have
- Ingredient list — in descending order by weight, with allergens declared in bold (PEAL format)
- Allergen declaration — contains statement for the 11 major allergens where present
- Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) — energy, protein, fat, saturated fat, carbs, sugars, sodium per serve and per 100g/100mL
- Date marking — “Best Before” or “Use By” (these have different legal meanings)
- Country of origin — where it was grown/produced/made/packed
- Net weight/volume — clearly displayed
- Producer details — business name and address in NZ
- Storage instructions — where not obvious
- Lot or batch identifier — for traceability
Category-specific rules
Some products have additional requirements. Wine and alcohol must show standard drinks and (from 2026) pregnancy warnings. Infant formula has strict rules on marketing claims. Supplements and nutraceuticals overlap with Medsafe requirements. Organic claims require certification documentation.
What this means for label design
The practical reality: mandatory content often takes 40-60% of your label real estate, especially on small packages. Smart design starts with the compliance copy and works around it — not the other way around. Our prepress team reviews every food label before production and will flag compliance issues before they cost you.
This is general guidance, not legal advice
Food labelling law changes, and specific products have specific rules. Before committing to a production run, verify your artwork against the current Food Standards Code or engage a compliance consultant. We’re happy to recommend NZ-based specialists we’ve worked with.