ESR contributes to the New Zealand Total Diet Study, which is undertaken approximately every five years by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
The New Zealand Total Diet Study (NZTDS) aims to assess New Zealanders' exposure to certain contaminants and nutrients. It is part of MPI’s monitoring and testing programme and looks at a range of foods consumed in a typical diet.
Total diet studies are used globally to identify food safety risks. Results from the New Zealand study are used to inform food standards and ensure that food continues to be safe.
The study estimates the dietary exposure of the New Zealand population to pesticide residues, contaminant elements and selected nutrients, and to then assess if they pose a potential health risk.