The Government has announced a new legal regulation for claims made about the health properties of food on labels.
Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye says the standard was signed on Sunday and applies in New Zealand and Australia.
Ms Kaye says it covers claims on food labels ranging from 'Low In Fat' to more specific ones such as saying that diets high in calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in people 65 years and over.
The minister says consumers can now be confident that claims about health on New Zealand food labels are true and accurate.
There will be strict requirements to ensure claims made are evidence-based.
The standard will take effect on 9 May and food companies will have three years to fully comply.
