A major Australian media investigation has sparked concerns about the safety and authenticity of imported food products sold in New Zealand.

The investigation by ABC’s Four Corners found that only a small proportion of imported foods in Australia are inspected, while testing for contamination has declined. Over an eight-month period, hundreds of food products from multiple brands were tested, uncovering evidence of contamination and raising questions about the accuracy of some country-of-origin claims.

One of the biggest concerns involved processed tomato products. The investigation reported that one in four products failed forensic country-of-origin testing. It specifically highlighted Leggo’s products, alleging that despite Australian-grown claims, around 80% of tested products contained tomatoes sourced from China, including some from a region associated with allegations of forced labour. Simplot, the owner of Leggo’s, rejected the findings and stated that it sources tomatoes from trusted suppliers.

The investigation also reported instances of food contamination, including metal shavings and mouse fur in some products.

Consumer NZ researcher Belinda Castles said New Zealand shares many of the same food products as Australia, making the findings relevant for Kiwi consumers. While she urged people not to panic, she acknowledged there is some cause for concern. She also noted that New Zealand’s food recalls are generally reactive, occurring after contaminated products have already entered the market.

New Zealand Food Safety, part of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), said food safety incidents linked to imported products remain rare. The agency highlighted recent improvements to its import control system, including stronger border clearance processes, enhanced laboratory testing, tighter controls on high-risk foods, and new tools to monitor import performance.

Additional measures planned include improved training for border officers, clearer guidance for importers, and the rollout of an integrated laboratory reporting system.

Country-of-origin and food labelling in New Zealand continue to be regulated by the Commerce Commission under the Fair Trading Act and the Origin of Food Regulations.