News on Health and Nutrition from New Zealand

MBIE’s interim report on European Import Threat

April 25, 2021

Level of dumping of frozen processed potato in New Zealand no threat to local industry, government report says

In New Zealand, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released its Interim Report (Essential Facts and Conclusions) on the investigation into European dumping of frozen processed potato into the NZ market.

Plant seed potatoes now and you’ll be digging up your own buried treasure in just a few months.

September 17, 2020

Potatoes from plot to plate: how to grow the perfect spuds in your New Zealand backyard

While in the Northern hemisphere we are harvesting potatoes and getting ready for winter, this is not the case in the Southern hemisphere. This article offers tips on how to grow potatoes in your New Zealand backyard.

May 29, 2020

Potatoes NZ request Emergency Measures to ban EU imports

Potatoes New Zealand is asking the New Zealand government to give urgent consideration to imposing short-term measures limiting the importation into New Zealand of heavily discounted frozen potato chips to avoid a food security threat.

April 01, 2020

As COVID-19 decimates job numbers, NZ potato industry can't hire fast enough

Farmers are among New Zealand's essential workers, so farms and fields are remaining busy keeping food on Kiwis' plates. And despite panic-buying, there is no shortage. New Zealand could survive on potatoes alone.

June 13, 2017

New Zealand get's its own brand of low carb potatoes: 'Lotatoes™'

In New Zealand, produce company T&G is launching a new brand of low carb potatoes with the memorable name 'Lotatoes'.

November 12, 2015

Cadmium resistant line of potatoes in development by University of Canterbury

University of Canterbury researchers have developed potato plants that are potentially resistant to cadmium, a highly toxic metal found in soil which is harmful to crops and can contribute to health issues in humans. End goal is to develop cadmium free potatoes.

July 14, 2015

Bluebird Foods (New Zealand) is recalling batches of its Original Cut Potato Chips

Bluebird Foods (New Zealand) is recalling batches of its bags of potato chips after finding some may contain plastic pieces.

May 02, 2012

Estiman la exposición al contaminante acrilamida en adolescentes varones españoles

The Food &Grocery Council is welcoming a significant drop in concentration of acrylamide in potato crisps, and says it will continue to work with industry to find ways of lowering its levels in other foods, CEO Katherine Rich said today. She is re...

May 01, 2012

Acrylamide study produces pleasing results for potato crisp processors in New Zealand

A new Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) report shows that the concerted effort by New Zealand's potato crisp manufacturers to lower acrylamide in their products is paying off.

April 11, 2012

Potatoes New Zealand: connecting kids to food

Potatoes New Zealand is coming under the international spotlight for its groundbreaking initiatives promoting healthy eating choices to children and young people.

January 31, 2012

Survey: Potatoes the secret to a woman's heart this Valentine's

Want to know the real way to a woman's heart this Valentine's Day? Look no further than the humble potato.

October 12, 2011

High GI cooked potatoes no problem as part of a meal

Potatoes and other reportedly high-GI foods might not be the dietary villains that recent publicity, books and health-based programmes would claim them to be, a new University of Otago study suggests.

September 24, 2011

Batches of Bluebird potato chips recalled

A number of batches of Bluebird potato chips are being recalled after pieces of blue and green rubber were found inside some packets. The Ready Salted Original Cut Chip packs were produced at the Bluebird Auckland manufacturing plant. Bluebird is war...

June 01, 2010

Bluebird Foods recalls potato chips due to undeclared allergens

Bluebird Light Plus Sea Salt Potato Chips (150g bags) displaying Best Before date 25 August 2010 should not be consumed due to the presence of undeclared allergens – milk, soy and gluten. There have been no reports of illness, however any person conc...

July 02, 2009

New Zealand Chip (French Fries) Shop Competition Is On Again

The search for New Zealand’s top chip shop kicks off this month, with registrations opening for shops wanting to take part in the ‘That’s Life! Best Chip Shop Competition 2009’. This year, competing shops can gain extra points in the Competition if at ...

May 22, 2009

FSANZ disputes shock Australian salt intake claim

FSANZ says the majority of Australian adults are not exceeding its recommended maximum daily salt intake, following media reports that claim some Australians could be consuming 40g of salt a day – almost seven times the recommended max.Salt (sodium chl...

April 11, 2009

Purple Heart: New Zealand's Purple Potatoes

New Zealand potato breeder Plant and Food Research has added a new attractive purple skinned variety to its range, which may have added health benefits. With a vivid purple skin and distinctive speckled purple flesh inside, Purple Heart was one of 16 c...

July 09, 2008

New Zealand Advertising watchdog slams snack ad for stimulating overconsumption

A snack food promotion accused of encouraging children to eat the equivalent of more than a kilogram of fat has been stung by the Advertising Standards Authority. The authority upheld a complaint by the Ministry of Health that Bluebird Foods' "R...