New Zealand (Mandatory) Food Standard 1997 The New Zealand (Mandatory) Food Standard 1997 was issued by the Minister of Health on 12 August 1997. This standard is available for inspection without charge at the Ministry of Health, 133 Molesworth Street, Wellington. Copies are available for purchase from any Bennetts Government Bookshop. This standard specifies prescribed foods for the purposes of section 11p of the Food Act 1981, the conditions for which the foods are prescribed, and the prohibited activities in respect of prescribed foods. This standard is mandatory. The New Zealand (Mandatory) Food Standard 1997 will come into force on the 28th day after the date of this notification.