Full Breakdown
Calls for Improved Allergen Labelling in New Zealand Supermarkets
4/20/2026, 2:33:05 AM
Background on Allergen Labelling Regulations
In New Zealand, food labelling regulations state that products made and packaged in the same location do not require ingredient or allergen information to be displayed on the packaging. Instead, this information must be provided upon request. This regulation has come under scrutiny as consumers with food allergies face significant risks when clear information is not readily available.
Core Issue: Lack of Accessible Allergen Information
A recent incident involving a Northland woman, Walsh, has highlighted the dangers associated with inadequate allergen labelling in supermarkets. After attempting to contact a bakery for allergen information about a packet of hot cross buns, she found that no one answered her call. Walsh criticized the current system, stating, “Consumers should not have to rely on chance phone calls nor in-store staff availability to make safe food choices.” She emphasized that ingredient and allergen lists should be printed on packaging and made available online to prevent life-threatening allergic reactions.
Industry Response and Perspectives
Doug Cochrane, owner of Kaitaia Pak’nSave, acknowledged that ingredient and allergen information is available upon request, urging customers to ask in-store, by phone, or online. However, Walsh and Mark Dixon, chief executive of Allergy NZ, argue that this approach is insufficient. Dixon noted that many staff members lack training on the importance of accurate ingredient advice, leading to a common complaint among allergy sufferers regarding the lack of allergen labelling in supermarkets.
Dixon further stated, “It is a huge opportunity for them to reinforce their market position, as a champion of the best food management and accurate ingredient knowledge.” He warned that the consequences of not providing accurate ingredient advice could be severe, not only for customers but also for the supermarkets themselves, as breaches of the Food Act are taken seriously.
Promises of Improvement from Supermarkets
In response to these concerns, Foodstuffs, the parent company of Kaitaia Pak’nSave, has indicated that improvements in labelling are forthcoming. While they assert that issues with labelling are rare, they recognize the need for better access to detailed ingredient, allergen, and nutritional information. Foodstuffs is exploring the introduction of tools to help stores generate accurate, recipe-based labels, although a specific timeline for these changes has not yet been established.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the assurances from Foodstuffs, critics like Walsh and Dixon remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the current system. They argue that the reliance on customer inquiries for allergen information creates unnecessary risks for individuals with food allergies. The close-knit allergy community is quick to share experiences of poor food service, which can damage a supermarket's reputation.
What's Next
As the conversation around allergen labelling continues, the focus remains on ensuring that supermarkets provide clear and accessible information to protect consumers with food allergies. The commitment from Foodstuffs to improve labelling practices may lead to significant changes in how allergen information is communicated in New Zealand supermarkets.
