Internal documents reveal food safety risks despite MPI assurances

Wednesday 14 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Wed 14 Oct, 8:10pm

In this story Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Food Safety

Official Information Act documents show New Zealand Food Safety assessments identified health risks from a pesticide on food. While the public was told no risks existed, the 2022-2023 report found methamidophos on a grower's silverbeet at 360 times the legal limit.

How they headlined it

7:37pm8:10pm

1. RNZWed 14 Oct, 7:37pm

   Internal documents warn of food safety risk after MPI said none existed (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesWed 14 Oct, 8:10pm

   Internal documents warned of food safety risk after MPI said there were none (opens in new tab)