Food Businesses

The Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 specify the requirements for the structure, maintenance, conduct of food handlers, in addition to the general duties of an occupier of a food business, with the overall objective of ensuring safe food is produced for public consumption.

Under the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974, "Food Premises" means:

• Any premises on or at which food is manufactured, prepared, packed, stored or handled for sale
• Any premises on or from which food is sold
• Any premises that is used in connection with any other food premises for the purposes of their work, by persons who work on those other food premises
• Any stall (including mobile shops, movable stands, road vehicles and fishing vessels) from which food is sold.

Inspections

Environmental Health Officers visit most food businesses annually to verify that the operation of the business and the premises continue to comply with the Regulations. There are some food businesses that are inspected by other bodies e.g. Third Party Auditors, rather that local Environmental Health Officers. An Officer may arrive at any time, without an appointment and must be allowed access to all parts of your food premises.

Any matters that are of concern will be discussed with you at the time of the visit and followed up in a formal letter to you. Re-inspections will be carried out if necessary to ensure all requisitions have been corrected to the satisfaction of the Officer.

We also carryout annual inspections of Camping Grounds and Hairdressers in a similar manner, to ensure compliance with the Camping Ground Regulations and Hairdresser Regulations.

Food Premise Registration

Any food premises must obtain a Certificate of Registration before a business can open. This will only be approved and issued when the premise complies with the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 and all other relevant legislation (e.g. requirements under the Building Act or Resource Management Act).

If you are taking over an existing food premises, you will need to apply for a transfer of registration (PDF, 35KB), to register the business in your name.

Food Control Plans

Food premises involved in food service i.e. cafes and restaurants, can use and register a Food Control Plan.