Consumers will be hurt if the Government doesn't act

That's Consumer NZ's message .. as it pushes for tougher rules on supermarkets.

The consumer advocacy group combining with the Food and Grocery council in calling for an industry shake up.

They want such changes as a mandatory code of conduct and for the commerce commission to have more influence.

Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy says unless there's change, there will be major issues.

Duffy says it will become even more difficult for the average Kiwi to put food on the table.