By PAGE, Emma Despite official assurances on food safety, New Zealanders are worried, writes Emma Page. -------------------- CONSUMER HELP lines are buzzing with calls from Kiwis anxious about the safety of their food as the Chinese baby formula crisis continues to shake consumer confidence.

By BRETT, Cate THIS TIME last week the story was about China and the thousands of infants whose health has been compromised by contaminated milk powder. Had it not been for the fact our flagship exporter Fonterra was centre stage, the story would probably have run on the world pages.

GREEN MP Sue Kedgley says it is unbelievable that the adverse incident reporting system for hospitals is voluntary. "It is still virtually impossible to get an accurate picture of the number of such incidents occurring in our hospitals," Ms Kedgley, Green health spokeswoman, said.

Consumers must know where their food comes from, if they are to exercise their right to choose what they buy and eat. The case for mandatory country-of-origin labelling of foods, including fresh fruit, vegetables and meat, is therefore attractive.

By LING, Jenny THE Government is refusing to budge on country-of-origin food labelling despite massive public support.