FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Food Act 2014?
The Food Act 2014 is legislation which has been enacted by the government in order to regulate the sale of food in New Zealand. It outlines the responsibilities of the food industry including the requirement for approval and enforcement actions as a last resort if required. The Food Act 2014 also has Regulations and Standards which have been made that may be industry specific and also need to be complied with. The purpose of the Food Act 2014 is to provide an effective food regulatory system aimed at reducing foodborne illness and harm from unsafe foods.
Why do food businesses require registration and verification?
Registration is required so that the details of your business including the food types handled are recorded in a database. This allows the Registration Authority to keep track of who is approved and what foods are being provided. It also acts as a legal agreement with the food business operator that they will comply with the NZ food rules and are committed to providing safe and suitable food.
Who do I register with (Registration Authority)?
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and all territorial authorities are Registration Authorities under the Food Act 2014. Their regulatory functions include the registration of food control plans (FCPs) and food businesses subject to a national programme (level 1-3). See the link below for specific details:https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety/food-act-2014/information-for-regulators-and-verifiers/registering-food-businesses/
When do I need to register?
You will need to register your business with the Registration Authority before you prepare, process or store any foods intended for sale. It is an offence to operate a food business without registration. See MPI website:https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety/food-act-2014/overview/register-a-business-under-the-food-act/
The Registration Authority requires a verifier confirmation letter from the verifier before allowing me to register. How do I get this?
To request a verifier confirmation letter please contact A+ Food Safety on: info@aplusfoodsafety.co.nz or www.aplusfoodsafety.co.nz or Freephone 0800 366 372
Our administrator will be able to provide this to you as required.
How do I register under the Food Act 2014?
First, check how the new law applies to your business. Use the Where do I fit? tool on the MPI website. The tool will tell you whether you need to use a food control plan or national programme. You’ll need to register with your local council or MPI. This depends on where you operate, and what type of plan or programme you are registering. The table below shows where you need to register:
Do I need to be verified before or after Registration?
All new food businesses are required to be verified within 6 weeks after the date of Registration. Existing food businesses are required to renew registration as required by the Registration Authority.https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety/food-act-2014/overview/getting-your-food-business-verified/
What if I have recently purchased an existing food business?
New business owners are required to contact the Registration Authority and ensure the business is registered in their or their company name. It is important when purchasing an existing food business that you know whether the business is compliant with the Food Act 2014. You may like to request a copy of the last verification report and Notice of Registration Certificate issued by the Registration Authority. Ensure that the Certificate has not expired. You can also check registration details on the MPI National Food Database:http://mpiportal.force.com/publicregister
What is a national programme?
Lower and medium risk businesses follow a national programme. This means that you don’t need to use a written plan, but must register your business, meet food safety standards, keep some records, and get checked. There are 3 levels of national programmes, based on the level of food safety risk involved in your business. Level 1 is the lowest risk.
For guidance about what you need to do, and what records you need to keep, see national programmes on the MPI website:https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety/food-act-2014/national-programmes/
What is a food control plan?
Higher risk food businesses, like those who cook meals or make ready to eat products, must use a written plan to keep food safe. This is called a food control plan. The plan helps you manage risks to food safety on a day to day basis, and makes it easy to keep a record of what you do for the Ministry for Primary Industries in terms of the food Act 2014. Food service businesses – like restaurants, cafes and caterers, and retailers – like butchers, fishmongers, supermarkets and delis, can use a template created by MPI. If you make and serve food as part of a service – at a school, hospital or rest home for example – you can also use one of these templates. See the MPI website - steps to getting a template food control plan.
Those who use unique processes, like manufacturers of higher risk products, need to write their own plan. This is called a custom food control plan. These plans are flexible, and let you manage food safety in a way that suits your business. See the MPI website - steps to getting a custom food control plan.
Those who use unique processes, like manufacturers of higher risk products, need to write their own plan. This is called a custom food control plan. These plans are flexible, and let you manage food safety in a way that suits your business. See the MPI website - steps to getting a custom food control plan.