"NZ: Irradiated tomatoes a chance for "sound and robust" labelling"

Historically Australia has used a dimethoate dip to ensure the tomatoes and capsicums it exports are free from Queensland fruit fly. However, the chemical treatment has now been phased out, which for biosecurity reasons, has led to a cessation in exports. Now the Queensland government has applied to export its produce to New Zealand again after irradiation with gamma rays. Food Minister, Nicki Kaye, is due to make a final decision on the matter later this month.

This is causing some concern in the destination country, that current labelling regulations may not be up to the task of informing the public that what they are purchasing has been through the process. Alasdair MacLeod, Chair of Tomatoes New Zealand, says, "We are demanding compulsory labelling on all irradiated produce, loose or otherwise, be clear and enforced, so that Kiwi consumers can make an informed decision..."

New Zealand already accepts a number of irradiated products from Australia, including mango, papaya and custard apple, however, these do have mandatory labelling requirements. The worry is, without such requirements, consumers may inadvertently purchase products they do not wish to buy.

"For example," Alasdair says, "your local retailer may provide a sign informing you that some of the loose tomatoes in the crate are irradiated, but how will you identify the irradiated tomatoes from the New Zealand tomatoes?"

The call for mandatory labelling is being just as vociferously made by Horticulture NZ, with CEO Peter Silcock, saying, "Kiwis deserve to know if the tomatoes and capsicums they are eating are from Australia and irradiated. This is a chance for us to put sound and robust food labelling in place that actually does what kiwis need it to do, tells them where the food is from and how it has been treated so that it could get here."

Despite the concerns, Alasdair explains that, provided the consumer is made aware of the situation, the industry supports the process of irradiation, which ensures that protection of the New Zealand industry.

"Irradiation is a vital tool to protect New Zealand's vulnerable industry from fruit fly and we support its use on at-risk produce from Australia. However, we do want consumers to have information at point of sale so they can make the decision for themselves."