Coming into force on 1 March 2016, the Food Act (2014) adopts the ‘one step forward, one step back’ approach. This requires New Zealand producers to be able to trace produce at least one step forward and one step back in the supply chain. This same approach is applied in most developed countries including the EU, United States, Canada, Australia and Japan.

Pursuant to the Food Act (2014), subsequent regulations have provided further guidance on tracing requirements for importers and operators.

Access New Zealand’s Food Act (2014) here and Food Regulations (2015) here.