Food Act 2014 Registrations
The Food Act 2014 that came into force on 1 March 2016 takes a risk-management approach to food. This Act applies to all businesses that make, sell, grow, transport, or trade in food. It also applies to businesses that serve food like school canteens or clubs. Click here for more information.
Click here for all food registration fees.
Click here for all food registration application forms.
Opening a new food premises
As a new business, it is likely you will be required to make application for a Food Control Plan or National Programme registration under the Food Act 2014 (information below). Prospective owners of new businesses should make contact with the Environmental Health Department and any other relevant department to discuss any requirements before starting. This could save you time and money further on in the construction process.
In planning your food premises, you need to consider:
- zoning restrictions
- car parking
- alcohol licensing
- health registration
- building issues such as disabled access and fire safety
- potential nuisances as per S29 of the Health Act 1956
- Trade Waste bylaw
Council's Building and Planning departments should also be contacted to determine any applicable requirements.
Registering a food business - Food Act 2014
Click here for the Application for Food Control Plan or National Programme
Click here for the Application for Multi-Site Food Control Plan or National Programme
Click here for the FCP Scope of Operations document
National Programme Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 Scope of Operations can be found here.
Depending on the scope of your food business, you will need to register to operate under either a Food Control Plan (FCP) or a National Programme (NP). To find out which plan suits your business see the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) website's Food Safety Rules tool.
Custom Food Control Plans are for higher risk businesses who must develop their own templates and make registration with MPI directly. Click here for more information
Template Food Control Plans are built from templates supplied by MPI and are registered and verified by Council annually. Click here for more information
National Programmes (Levels 3, 2 and 1) are registered with Council, but verification must be completed by an appropriate third party verifier. . Note: Some National Programme operators have the option to make application for the higher-risk based Food Control Plan should they wish. Click here for more information
Renewing a registration – Food Act 2014
Click here to view the Application for Renewal of Food Control Plan or National Programme
Registration under the Food Act 2014 can only be renewed if the renewal fee is submitted before the expiry date of the registration. If both of these are not received by the expiry date, the registration lapses and a brand new application is required.
Transferring a registration – Food Act 2014
Registration of a food business is not transferable as the new food laws have changed how food activities are regulated in New Zealand. Instead, new owners of food businesses will need to make application for registration under one of the aforementioned registration types.
Amendments or changes to a food control plan
Click here to view the form for Notification of Change in Details or Significant Amendment
Businesses operating a registered Food Control Plan must give written notice to their registration authority (South Waikato District Council) of changes in details or significant amendments. For any significant amendment like changing premises or changing the business structure where this impacts on the overall operation, or updating change in details; this form must be completed and submitted to the Environmental Health department.
If you are planning to make any structural or plumbing changes to an existing food premises then you need to speak to Council’s Building department.
Surrender of licence for a food business
Click here to view the form for Application to Surrender Registration.
Council must be notified that your business has been sold or has ceased trading and you want to surrender your registration, this form must be completed and submitted to the Environmental Health department.
