Food labelling

Although nutrition labelling on food products has been law in New Zealand since 2002, many people still have trouble with finding the information on the label (usually in very fine print). And unless you know how the labelling system works, it can also be difficult to interpret the information correctly. 

Understanding the nutrition information panel (NIP)

Food products are required to have a nutrition information panel (NIP). This has information on how much energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, total carbohydrate, sugar and sodium is in the product. There are a few products that don’t have to have a NIP: very small packages, foods with no significant nutritional value (such as a single herb or spice, tea and coffee), foods sold unpackaged and foods made and packaged where you buy them (such as bread at the local bakery). If the product has had a claim made about it, it is required to detail that nutrient in the NIP (for example, high calcium milk).

Common allergens (such as nuts, dairy products, eggs, gluten and soy) must be declared on the product label. Serving sizes will vary amongst products, so use the 100g figure on the NIP to compare different products.

Ingredients are listed in order of quantity in the product, so that the first food listed will be the major ingredient. If sugar or fat is in the first two or three ingredients, then this food is not a healthy choice. This list of ingredients makes it easier for people who are sensitive to certain foods or additives to check if they are in the food (for example, peanuts for those with a nut allergy). Food additives are also included in the ingredient list.

More information

You can download a poster with full details on food labelling from the website: www.foodstandards.govt.nz
Check out our pages on Food additives and Food allergies and intolerance