New Business and Operators after 1 March 2016

The Food Act 2014 came into effect 1 March 2016.  The new law recognises that each business is different and is a positive step forward from the old Act and its one-size-fits-all approach to food safety.  The new Act provides a clear exemption to allow Kiwi traditions like fundraising sausage sizzles or home baking at school fairs to take place. The only rule will be that food that is sold must be safe.

The central feature of the new Act is a sliding scale where businesses that are a higher risk from a food safety point of view will operate under more stringent food safety requirements and checks than lower risk food businesses.

Any person establishing a new business will require the operator to register either a Food Control Plan or a National Programme.

It is recommended that operators first view the information at Ministry of Primary Industries Food Act Overview and then make an appointment with the Environmental Health Officer.

Please complete the ‘Scope of Operations’ document prior to submitting the ‘Application for Registration under the Food Act 2014’.  The scoping document ensures that you apply for the registration that is most applicable to your business.

• Scope of Operations (PDF 341 KB)
• Application for Registration under the Food Act 2014 (PDF 822 KB)

Food business currently registered under the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974

Existing business will continue to operate under the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 until they move over to the new Food Act requirements.

All business will gradually transition to the new requirements over the next three years according to transition timetable.

At the end of this three year period, all food businesses will be operating under the new requirements.