๐Ÿ“ Auckland, New Zealand โœ‰ info@foodverification.co.nz ๐Ÿ“ž 0221281203
New Zealand-wide service Free Initial Guidance โ†’

Registering Your Food Business in New Zealand

Before starting or changing a food business in New Zealand, you need to understand which food safety rules apply to your operation. The correct registration pathway depends on what food you handle, how it is processed, where it is sold, and the level of food safety risk involved.

Your business may need to operate under one of the following:

  • Template Food Control Plan
  • Custom Food Control Plan
  • My Food Plan
  • National Programme 1
  • National Programme 2
  • National Programme 3
  • Risk Management Programme, where applicable
  • Other MPI-related food safety requirements, depending on the business activity

The Registration Process

If you are unsure which pathway applies, we can help review your food activities and provide initial guidance on the likely registration pathway.

Identify the Correct Plan or Programme

The first step is to identify which food safety plan or programme applies to your business. This depends on your actual food activities โ€” Template Food Control Plan, Custom Food Control Plan, My Food Plan, National Programme 1/2/3, or a Risk Management Programme.

Prepare the Required Food Safety Documents

Once the correct pathway is identified, prepare the required food safety procedures, cleaning and sanitising procedures, temperature control records, supplier records, allergen management procedures, and other supporting documents.

Evaluation, if Required

Some custom Food Control Plans need to be evaluated before registration to check whether the plan is suitable for the business activities and likely to produce safe and suitable food if followed correctly.

Choose a Verifier Before Registration, Where Required

Some businesses must contact a verifier before registration, commonly for businesses operating under a National Programme or custom Food Control Plan. The verifier may need to provide written confirmation as part of the registration application.

Submit the Registration Application

The registration authority depends on the type of plan or programme and where the business operates โ€” your local council, MPI, or multiple councils for multi-site businesses.

Receive Registration Confirmation

Once approved, you will receive registration confirmation or a certificate. You must then operate according to the registered plan, keep required records, and arrange verification within the required timeframe.

Arrange the First Verification

After registration, the first verification must be arranged within the required timeframe, depending on whether the business is new or existing and what plan or programme applies.

How We Can Help With Registration

  • Identifying the likely registration pathway
  • Reviewing food activities and scope of operations
  • Preparing food safety documents and records
  • Food Control Plan evaluation, where applicable and within recognised scope
  • Verifier confirmation, where applicable and within recognised scope
  • Registration preparation support
  • First verification preparation
  • Corrective action support after verification

Not Sure Which Food Safety Registration Applies to Your Business?

Contact us for free initial guidance. We can help you understand whether your business may need a Food Control Plan, National Programme, My Food Plan, RMP or other food safety support.