Planning a new label or packaging change?
Tell us what products you sell, where they will be sold, the stage your label has reached and your target launch or printing date. We can discuss the review you need and the next step.
Request food label review guidance
For a practical starting point, read our New Zealand food labelling checklist.
Who This Service Is For
This service may be suitable for food manufacturers, importers, food brands, start-ups, bakeries, and any food business that needs to review product labels before launch, reformulation, packaging changes or importing into New Zealand.
What We Can Review
- Ingredient lists
- Allergen declarations
- Nutrition information panels
- Date marking and storage instructions
- Warning and advisory statements
- Characterising ingredients and percentage labelling
- Marketing claims such as "natural", "high protein", "gluten free"
- Country of origin labelling
- Net weight and servings information
- Imported food labels for the New Zealand market
Why Review Labels Before Printing?
Reviewing labels before printing can reduce the risk of costly reprints, product launch delays or compliance issues. Early label review is particularly important when launching new products, reformulating existing products, updating packaging, or importing food products for the New Zealand market.
What to prepare for a food label review
To help define the review, have the following information ready where available:
- The current label or draft artwork, including every panel and any over-label.
- The product recipe or ingredient list, compound ingredient details and supplier specifications.
- Allergen information and any supporting nutrition calculations, analysis or claim evidence.
- The intended market and buyer: retail customers, food service businesses or another manufacturer.
- The proposed shelf life, date mark, storage conditions and directions for use.
- Your printing or launch date and any specific questions or earlier review comments.
Requirements vary with the product, packaging, buyer and claims. New Zealand requirements and overseas market requirements should be scoped separately. Start with MPI’s food labelling and composition guidance.
A review identifies possible gaps and recommendations; it is not regulatory approval. The food business remains responsible for the final label and the information used to support it.
Need a Food Label Review?
Contact us today for free initial guidance. We can help you understand what may need to be checked on your product label and the next step.