Find out about the health standards you must comply with when running a food or catering business.

Food Safety Requirements

The Food Act 2014 came into force on 1 March 2016 and takes a risk-management approach to food. Similarly, new Food Regulations 2015 also came into force on 1 March 2016, coinciding with the start of a three-year transition period for food businesses, ending on 28 February 2019. At the end of the three years, all food businesses will be operating risk-management based systems to ensure food is safe and suitable for human consumption.

The Food 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.

Find more information about the new Food Act on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Please direct questions to MPI on its food safety helpline - 0800 693 721 or by email at info@mpi.govt.nz. You may also contact Council on 07 306 9009.

Registration of Food Businesses

Local councils will have a role in the registration of food businesses and keeping a record of food businesses selling food, the type of food sold, where the businesses are located, etc. Registration with the local authority will be required yearly, and local authorities will issue Certificates of Registration under the Food Act 2014 subject to an annual fee. Food activities subject to registration will include those operating template Food Control Plans and National Programmes (Levels 3, 2 and 1). Operators of custom Food Control Plans will be required to register with the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) directly.

Fees and Charges

Please refer to the "Food Premises" section of the Kawerau Fees and Charges document for the current charges.