Only a fraction of imported food entering Australasian supply chains undergoes inspection, according to findings from an Australian media investigation that has triggered consumer advocacy warnings in New Zealand. The investigation by the ABC’s Four Corners program revealed that testing for contaminants in imported goods is on the decline, raising potential safety questions for shoppers across the Tasman.
Consumer Advocacy Warnings and Trans-Tasman Supply Chains
Consumer NZ researcher Belinda Castles stated that New Zealand shares many of the same products found on Australian supermarket shelves. According to Castles, the findings present cause for concern, though she cautioned against unnecessary panic.
“We do share a lot of the same products as Australia,” Castles said, adding that “there is a little bit of cause for concern without scaremongering.” Over an eight-month period, the Four Corners investigation tested hundreds of products across multiple brands, uncovering evidence of contamination and raising doubts regarding country-of-origin claims.
Did you know?
New Zealand Food Safety operates primarily as a reactive regulator, meaning product recalls usually occur after contaminated or mislabeled items have already reached consumer pantries, according to Belinda Castles.
Processed Tomato Testing Reveals Origin Discrepancies
Processed tomato products drew the highest level of concern during the eight-month testing period. One in four processed tomato products failed forensic country-of-origin testing, according to the Four Corners investigation.
The program specifically highlighted Leggo’s, a brand also sold in New Zealand supermarkets. While product packaging claims the tomatoes are Australian-grown, forensic testing found that 80 percent of tested Leggo’s products actually contained tomatoes from China. Furthermore, some of those ingredients were allegedly sourced from a region associated with forced labor practices.
In response to the findings, Simplot, the owner of the Leggo’s brand, denied the test results. The company maintained that it relies on a trusted network of suppliers.
Food Safety Contaminants and Regulatory Response
Beyond origin labeling issues, the investigation documented potential food safety hazards, including claims of foreign objects such as metal shavings and mouse fur found inside certain food packages. Castles noted that New Zealand consumers encounter similar issues periodically.
“Usually these get seen and New Zealand Food Safety will put a recall in place but its usually after the fact so it’s reactive,” Castles said.
Defending the regulatory framework, Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety—a branch of the Ministry for Primary Industries—emphasized the agency’s strong track record in safeguarding public health. Arbuckle noted that consumers in New Zealand now access an increasingly wide range of imported foods sourced from a growing number of international markets.
“We are committed to adapting our systems to meet increasingly complex supply chains, changing consumer preferences, and developing technologies,” Arbuckle stated.
Recent Changes to New Zealand Food Import Management
New Zealand Food Safety outlined several operational upgrades designed to manage imported food risks more effectively. The agency reported that it has strengthened border clearance procedures by integrating laboratory testing systems and tightening compliance requirements for high-risk food categories.
Additional measures implemented by the regulator include:
- Deploying new tools to monitor border clearance performance
- Providing enhanced training for border inspection officers
- Issuing clearer compliance guidance for food importers
- Completing the rollout of an integrated laboratory reporting system
Meanwhile, country-of-origin claims and general food labeling practices remain under the regulatory oversight of the Commerce Commission, enforced via the Fair Trading Act and the Origin of Food Regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Leggo’s tomato products in New Zealand affected by these findings?
The Four Corners investigation tested Leggo’s products and found that 80 percent of samples contained tomatoes from China despite marketing claims of Australian origin, though brand owner Simplot has denied the test results.
Who regulates food labeling and country-of-origin claims in New Zealand?
Country-of-origin and food labeling claims are regulated by the Commerce Commission under the Fair Trading Act and the Origin of Food Regulations.
How does New Zealand Food Safety handle contaminated imported food?
New Zealand Food Safety typically acts in a reactive capacity, implementing product recalls after contaminated or non-compliant items have already been identified in the marketplace.
What are your thoughts on imported food transparency? Share your perspective in the comments below, explore our related coverage on consumer safety standards, or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on food supply regulations.
Worth a look