Retailers are required to ensure the product's country of origin is clearly labelled on the item's packaging, or on a sign nearby. However, the changes only apply to certain fresh and thawed foods: including fruit, vegetables, seafood and meat as well as cured pork products such as ham and bacon.
The new rules do not cover olive oil - but Consumer NZ wants that changed.
"We are asking for regulations to include all single-ingredient foods and olive oil falls into this category," a Consumer spokesperson said.
Matapiro told Consumer its oil was blended with Australian olive oil to meet demand, but the company hoped to return to wholly New Zealand-grown olives and oil soon.
Village Press has said it will amend its label at its next harvest.
Consumer also offered some tips for what shoppers should watch out for next time they stock up on olive oil:
- Buy the freshest oil possible. Look for a pressed-on or harvest date. Best-before dates are not always a good indicator of quality, as they do not indicate the oil's age.
- Green or dark bottles, or tins, provide better protection from the light. Do not buy clear-bottled oils, especially ones that have been displayed in a shop window or under fluorescent light.
- Store in a cool dark place, tightly stoppered.
- Do not stockpile. Oils do not improve with age so use any open oil within 12 months.
