Retailers are being reminded tomatoes imported from Australia need to be clearly labelled as irradiated.

The tomatoes have been exposed to radiation, something Tomatoes New Zealand say might not appeal to all consumers.

Tomatoes New Zealand Chair Barry O'Neill says consumers should be aware so they can make a choice if they wish.

"The Australian tomatoes have to be irradiated because of the biosecurity risk of fruit flies associated with them."

Tomatoes New Zealand is pushing for all retailers to warn people when the product has been exposed to radiation.

O’Neil says the food standards body which approves the radiation believes they are still safe.

He says it would be better if people bought New Zealand tomatoes, however the current shortage makes this tricky.

"We'll have plenty of New Zealand tomatoes available come September, so we believe that it's just a matter of time before Australian tomatoes are no longer on our supermarket shelves."