Not sure whether My Food Plan is right for your business? Review our My Food Plan verification service or contact Access Food Verification for free initial guidance.
My Food Plan NZ is a Food Act pathway for eligible businesses that need a tailored Food Control Plan but can still operate within pre-evaluated procedures provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). It can suit some food manufacturers, wholesalers and specialised processors whose activities are not fully covered by a standard Template Food Control Plan.
However, My Food Plan is not automatically available to every food business. Eligibility depends on the food, process, intended consumer, distribution method and whether the operation can follow the limits and options in MPI's plan. A new My Food Plan must also go through an independent desktop evaluation before it can be registered with MPI.
Quick answer: Use MPI's My Food Rules tool to check whether My Food Plan is offered for your complete activities. If it is, download the tailored plan, complete every applicable section, prepare the required business-specific documents, arrange desktop evaluation, select a different recognised verifier, and apply to MPI for registration.
What Is My Food Plan NZ?
My Food Plan is a type of custom Food Control Plan under the Food Act 2014. The plan contains procedures for making safe and suitable food and can be tailored through MPI's online My Food Rules tool.
The base procedures have already been evaluated by MPI. This can reduce the work involved in creating a completely original Custom Food Control Plan. Nevertheless, the finished plan is specific to the applicant. MPI requires an independent desktop evaluation of the completed plan and its business-specific supporting information before registration.
Each topic in My Food Plan uses a Know, Do and Show structure:
| Section | What it means |
|---|---|
| Know | Explains why the topic is important for food safety and suitability. |
| Do | Sets out the practices, limits and actions the business and its staff must follow. |
| Show | Identifies the records and evidence that demonstrate the requirements are being followed. |
Who Is Eligible to Use My Food Plan?
Eligibility should be established by entering the business's complete activities into My Food Rules. The result depends on what is made, how it is processed, whether it is ready to eat, how it is packaged and stored, and where it is sold.
MPI provides examples of businesses that may be able to use My Food Plan, including:
- A business packing meat obtained after slaughter at a registered abattoir.
- A vegan cheese or mayonnaise manufacturer wholesaling products.
- A gelato maker selling tubs through supermarkets and other retailers.
- A manufacturer of bottled almond, oat, seed or similar plant-based milk.
- A seafood-smoking business providing processing services for other businesses, where the process fits the My Food Plan parameters.
These examples do not guarantee that a similar business is eligible. A small change in processing, temperature, shelf life, packaging or intended use can affect the correct pathway. If the activities are not covered, the business may need a standard Custom Food Control Plan, a Template Food Control Plan, a National Programme or an Animal Products Act programme.
For a broader comparison, see our guide to Food Control Plans versus National Programmes.
When My Food Plan Cannot Be Used
The current MPI application form identifies activities that cannot be registered using the My Food Plan application pathway. These businesses must generally use a standard Custom Food Control Plan and obtain a full evaluation that includes onsite evaluation.
| Product or process | Why the standard custom pathway may apply |
|---|---|
| Commercial sterilisation | Includes UHT, aseptic processing and canned or retorted products. |
| Novel or specialised technology | Examples include high-pressure processing, radiation, cold plasma and other novel or unique processes. |
| Specified fermented meats | Uncooked or cooked comminuted fermented meat requires the standard custom pathway. |
| Some dry-cured meats | This includes extended drying above 5°C and below 60°C for products such as droëwors, coppa, bresaola, prosciutto and similar ready-to-eat meats. |
| Smoking outside plan limits | Cold smoking or low-temperature hot smoking that keeps food in the danger zone beyond the plan parameters is excluded. |
| Complex or novel products | Products or processes that do not fit My Food Plan parameters need an individually developed and evaluated plan. |
Documents Required for My Food Plan
The plan generated through My Food Rules is only the starting point. Blank sections and selected options must be completed, and the business must prepare additional information that becomes part of the registered Custom Food Control Plan.
| Document | What it should contain |
|---|---|
| Completed My Food Plan | All relevant cards, selected options, limits, responsibilities and blank sections completed for the operation. |
| Business bio | A practical description of what the business does, its products, operating model, customers, staff and premises. |
| Process and hazard information | Ingredients and inputs, production steps, biological, chemical and physical hazards, applicable limits, combination controls and permitted additives or processing aids. |
| Product descriptions | Product group, intended use, regulatory and operator limits, allergens, additives, storage, distribution, shelf life and packaging. |
| Internal and external site plans | A current, version-controlled plan for every premises covered by the FCP. |
| Supporting evidence | As applicable, specifications, process-validation evidence, shelf-life support, labels, test results and other information requested by the evaluator. |
Every additional document must have version control. Product descriptions may group genuinely similar products, but the grouping must not hide important differences in hazards, processing, allergens, shelf life or storage.
What should a product description cover?
- Product name or logical product group.
- Intended use and whether the food is ready to eat or requires further processing.
- Relevant regulatory limits and operator-defined limits.
- Allergens and cross-contact considerations.
- Food additives and processing aids.
- Storage and distribution conditions.
- Shelf life and how it will be supported or validated.
- Packaging format and sales channels.
My Food Plan Evaluation and Registration Process
Evaluation, registration and verification are separate stages. An evaluator reviews the proposed plan before registration. MPI makes the registration decision. A verifier later checks whether the registered plan is being followed in practice.
| Stage | Required action |
|---|---|
| 1. Confirm eligibility | Complete My Food Rules using every food and processing activity conducted by the business. |
| 2. Download the plan | Save or print the tailored My Food Plan generated through the tool. |
| 3. Complete the plan | Fill in all blank sections, select the applicable options and prepare the business-specific supporting documents. |
| 4. Desktop evaluation | Engage an MPI-recognised Food Act evaluator. Provide the completed plan, site plans, supporting documents and any further evidence requested. |
| 5. Choose a verifier | Select a recognised verifier whose scope covers Custom FCP verification and obtain a confirmation letter. The verifier must be different from the evaluator. |
| 6. Apply to MPI | Submit the current FA10MFP form and supporting application package to MPI Approvals. |
| 7. Operate and keep records | After registration, follow the plan, train staff and keep genuine records demonstrating implementation. |
| 8. Get verified | The verifier reviews the premises, practices, records and corrective actions within the required timeframe. |
What must be sent to MPI?
The current FA10MFP application requires the completed application form together with:
- The completed My Food Plan, including internal and external site plans for each premises.
- The version-controlled additional information endorsed through evaluation.
- The desktop evaluation report.
- A confirmation letter from the nominated verification agency.
- Evidence that the applicable MPI fee has been paid.
- Company registration evidence where applicable and any other information required by the form.
My Food Plan registrations are handled by MPI. For the wider application pathway, review our food business registration process.
Desktop Evaluation: What the Evaluator Checks
A desktop evaluation is an independent review of whether the completed My Food Plan covers the products, processes and premises and is capable of working for the business. It is not the same as the later onsite verification.
The evaluator may check whether:
- The scope matches everything the business intends to make and sell.
- Process descriptions accurately reflect actual production.
- Relevant biological, chemical and physical hazards are identified.
- Control measures, limits and combination controls are suitable.
- Product descriptions, shelf-life assumptions and storage conditions are coherent.
- Allergens, additives and processing aids are addressed.
- The facility and site plans support the proposed operation.
- The documents are complete, consistent and version controlled.
Evaluation fees are set by individual evaluators and vary with business complexity, product range and document readiness. Supplying incomplete or inconsistent information generally increases queries and delays.
My Food Plan Verification: What Happens After Registration?
Verification checks whether the registered plan is being implemented effectively. For a new business, MPI states that the first verification must normally take place within three months of registration, or earlier if required by MPI Approvals.
Verification frequency is performance based. MPI's current guidance indicates that it may range from once every 18 months for a well-performing business to as often as every three months when food safety is not being managed effectively.
A verifier may review:
- The current registered plan, registration details and approved scope.
- Cooking, cooling, chilling, hot-holding and other process-control records.
- Cleaning, sanitising, pest-control and maintenance evidence.
- Allergen controls, product information and staff knowledge.
- Supplier approval, traceability and mock-recall evidence.
- Calibration, corrective actions and management of deviations.
- Whether actual processes still match the registered plan.
Read more about our My Food Plan verification and preparation support and the general food business verification process.
Important 2026 Update for Existing My Food Plans
Existing businesses should check their plan now.
MPI updated My Food Plan content in December 2025. Businesses were required to include and follow the updated water, allergen and recall cards by 30 April 2026. Verifiers check for these cards at the next scheduled verification after that date, and MPI warns that failure to use them may result in an unacceptable outcome.
The required updated cards cover:
- Ensuring your water is suitable.
- Allergens and knowing what is in your food or drink.
- Recalling your food or drink.
MPI strongly encourages businesses to use the newest complete My Food Plan. Businesses making biltong must also use the applicable Making biltong card or follow the standard Custom FCP pathway. Adding biltong to an existing registration may require the significant-amendment process.
Common My Food Plan Application Mistakes
| Common problem | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Choosing a pathway from the main product only | Enter every food, process, service, storage and sales activity into My Food Rules. |
| Submitting an uncompleted plan | Complete every blank and selected option before evaluation. |
| Generic process descriptions | Document the actual sequence, limits, controls, monitoring and deviations for each relevant product group. |
| Unsupported shelf life | Identify how the proposed shelf life will be justified and maintain the supporting evidence. |
| Using the same person for evaluation and verification | Choose separate recognised people or agencies and confirm their scopes before engagement. |
| Changing the operation without updating the plan | Assess every new product, process, owner, location or site before implementation and determine whether an amendment is required. |
Multi-Site My Food Plan Registrations
The current FA10MFP form states that a maximum of five sites may be covered by a My Food Plan Custom FCP. Internal and external site plans are required for each premises, and the verifier confirmation letter should identify every site it will cover.
If the business intends to cover more than five sites, contact MPI Approvals before preparing the application. Additional evaluation or a different registration arrangement may be required.
Keeping My Food Plan Current
Registration must be renewed with MPI every year. The operator must continue to follow the plan, retain the records required by each Show section and make the current plan available to staff and the verifier.
Changes that may require an amendment include:
- Introducing a new process.
- Making food not covered by the registered scope.
- Changing ownership or legal operator.
- Relocating or adding premises.
- Changing important limits, processing conditions, shelf life or packaging.
A significant amendment may require further evaluation and MPI approval before the change is implemented.
How Access Food Verification Can Help
Access Food Verification & Auditing Limited can support eligible New Zealand food businesses with:
- Initial review of the proposed food activities and likely regulatory pathway.
- My Food Plan document and record-readiness review.
- Product, process, hazard and supporting-document preparation.
- My Food Plan evaluation or verification within recognised scope and applicable independence requirements.
- Preparation for first verification.
- Corrective-action and amendment support.
The evaluator and verifier for the same plan must be different. The appropriate service arrangement will therefore be confirmed before work begins.
Need help with My Food Plan NZ?
Review our My Food Plan service or contact us for free initial guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Food Plan the same as a Template Food Control Plan?
No. My Food Plan is a type of Custom Food Control Plan tailored through MPI's My Food Rules tool. A Template FCP is a separate pre-evaluated template commonly used for covered food-service and retail activities.
Is My Food Plan compulsory?
No. MPI says businesses do not have to use My Food Plan. Depending on the activities, another Template FCP, standard Custom FCP, National Programme or regulatory pathway may apply.
How do I know if my business is eligible?
Enter all food and processing activities into MPI's My Food Rules tool. If the result is unclear or the operation includes complex processes, confirm the pathway before preparing an application.
Does a new My Food Plan require evaluation?
Yes. The current MPI pathway requires an independent desktop evaluation to be completed before the new My Food Plan application is submitted for registration.
Can the same person evaluate and verify My Food Plan?
No. MPI states that the verifier must be different from the evaluator. Both must hold the recognition needed for their respective functions and applicable scope.
How many sites can one My Food Plan cover?
The current FA10MFP form allows a maximum of five sites. Contact MPI Approvals before applying if the business wants to cover more than five sites.
When is the first verification required?
For a new business, the verifier must normally visit within three months of registration, or earlier if required by MPI Approvals.
How often is My Food Plan verified?
Frequency is performance based. MPI indicates that verification may range from every 18 months for a well-managed business to every three months where performance is poor.
Which updated cards are now required?
Existing plans must include and follow MPI's updated cards for suitable water, allergen information and food recall. The deadline was 30 April 2026.
Can I add new products after registration?
Possibly, but first check whether the products and processes are already covered. A new process, food type, site or other important change may require an amendment and, if significant, further evaluation and MPI approval.
Official My Food Plan Resources
- MPI: Steps to getting a My Food Plan
- MPI: My Food Rules tool
- MPI: Current FA10MFP application form
- MPI: Changing a Custom Food Control Plan
This article provides general information current at the publication date. Food-business requirements depend on the complete activities and may change. Confirm the applicable pathway and use the latest MPI documents before applying.
Need Practical Food Safety Support for Your Business?
Contact us for free initial guidance. We provide practical, plain-English food safety support for New Zealand food businesses across all service areas.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice specific to your situation. Contact us for guidance based on your actual food activities and requirements.