Food Act 2006

If a thing has been seized but not forfeited or destroyed under this part, the authorised person must return it to its owner—

at the end of 6 months; or

if a proceeding for an offence involving the thing is started within 6 months, at the end of the proceeding and any appeal from the proceeding.

However, unless the thing has been forfeited or destroyed under this part, the authorised person must immediately return a thing seized as evidence to its owner if the authorised person stops being satisfied its continued retention as evidence is necessary.