Food- which ok and how much ok?

[liora]

Hi all,

Been trying to get an answer on this one in past threads, but got confused. So for anyone who brought a container lately and packed food- did you bring just cans or also cereal boxes, pasta, olive oil, etc? And how much is OK to bring? 1 box full of food? 10? They don't care?
Thanks so much. I know honey is a big no and fresh food of course is a big no.

[Grasshopper]

Hey...

Not sure of the exact question(s) on food that you are asking; rather than get a tad further confused on what you can/can't/what the definition of/etc etc...here's a link to the MAF website;

http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/declare

Digging round here and looking at the various .PDF info sheets will hopefully put you right. They also have a contact number for those pesky questions too!

[Manks]

If you have any specific question, just email biosecurity at MAF and they're really good at responding.

We brought in mainly dried food and, while MAF inspected it, they were fine with it. So herbs and spices/pasta etc all made it. Don't think we brought any tinned stuff.

[veronica]

do you need to bring food over, can't you just have some strange meals before you leave and use it up. we do have supermarkets here that sell pretty much everything or at least a passable substitute

[liora]

do you need to bring food over, can't you just have some strange meals before you leave and use it up. we do have supermarkets here that sell pretty much everything or at least a passable substitute

Yes I know there great supermarkets there too, but with a couple of very picky eaters in our family, it would make things easier for them if they have some of their favorite foods

[liora]

If you have any specific question, just email biosecurity at MAF and they're really good at responding.

We brought in mainly dried food and, while MAF inspected it, they were fine with it. So herbs and spices/pasta etc all made it. Don't think we brought any tinned stuff.

Thank yOu, I did email them.

[Millieandme]

We called the MAF phone line and, as Manks says, they are very helpful and friendly. General guidelines we were given was that the product needed to be sealed in the original packaging and clearly state the contents and country of origin. My sister brought smoked salmon for us and everything was OK except the one package that had lost it's label.
This was for food brought on the plane so you might want to check the rules for the container.

And you can find many things here but not all. And some that is the same is a little bit different. Martha's Backyard in Auckland has all sorts of American things imported specially for people missing them. We go there for the unsweetened pickles in the gallon jar.

There are also items that are not available or so expensive that bringing them is well worth the effort, particularly if they are special. In the first few months a few tastes of the old home is a nice treat

[IanW99]

Please note that bringing in food in your container that it may be subject to fumigation by MAF in which case many food items may have to be destroyed.

You will of course also incur additional charges as there will be more items that need to be checked.

Ian

[ScottNZ]

do you need to bring food over, can't you just have some strange meals before you leave and use it up. we do have supermarkets here that sell pretty much everything or at least a passable substitute

Totally agree. The container will cross the equator where its always the height of summer. Why worry about spoilage. Just eat what you have, and re-up at Woolworths or Pak N Save.

[liora]

Totally agree. The container will cross the equator where its always the height of summer. Why worry about spoilage. Just eat what you have, and re-up at Woolworths or Pak N Save.

Yes, I was thinking about that last night...think you are right and we will just bring some comfort food for the kids with us and declare them upon arrival.