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New Zealand Food Safety is urging Kiwis to take extra care when buying food through social media and online platforms, warning consumers to do a quick safety check before placing an order.
The agency says online food sales through non-traditional channels are becoming increasingly popular, with more people turning to social media for convenience and wider food choices.
Acting deputy director-general Jenny Bishop says while sellers are responsible for managing food safety risks, consumers should still ask questions before buying.
New Zealand Food Safety says buyers should check whether the seller is registered under the Food Act if required, although home-based cake makers are exempt from registration rules.
Consumers are also being encouraged to ask what ingredients are used in the food, including allergens, how the food is prepared and how it has been stored.
The agency says presentation is another important sign, including whether products appear cleanly prepared and whether labels or product information are clearly visible.
Temperature control is also critical, with buyers advised to make sure chilled or frozen food will arrive safely and hot food is delivered at the correct temperature.
New Zealand Food Safety says customers should be able to easily contact sellers to ask questions before buying, and if something does not seem right, they should avoid making a purchase.
People concerned about unsafe food are encouraged to contact the seller directly and report serious concerns to New Zealand Food Safety through its food complaints process.
The agency also recommends taking photos of suspicious food or packaging to support any complaint or follow-up action.
Here’s a few things to look at before you place an order:
Before you buy, check:
- Ask if the seller is registered under the Food Act if they need to be. Note, if you are buying from homebased cake makers, they do not need to be registered.
- Can you tell what’s in the food (including any allergens), how it’s prepared, and how it’s been stored?
- Does the food look cleanly presented and consistently prepared? For instance, is there a clear picture of the label and/ or product information?
- Will it arrive at the right temperature (for example, hot if it’s hot, chilled, or frozen if it’s meant to be frozen)?
