It is administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

[2] Whereas previous food legislation in New Zealand had primarily focused on the purity of foods, the Food Act 1981 was a consumer protection law focused on the regulation of food sales, advertising, hygiene, and safety standards.

[3] It was the principal act governing food safety in the country until its repeal and replacement by the Food Act 2014, which came into full effect on 28 February 2019.

[4] Alongside the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 and the Health Act 1956, it mandated that the manufacturing, packaging, processing, and sale of food occur in registered food premises.

[5] Under the provisions of the Food Act 1981, Governor General of New Zealand David Beattie presided over an Order in Council to introduce the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985, as a way to regulate dietary supplements.