In this section

The Act places a responsibility on food business operators to ensure that the food they sell is safe and suitable . Registration categories and exemptions.

Starting a food business? Follow these steps:

If you operate a food business, you will likely need to register under the Food Act 2014 to help ensure the food you sell is safe and suitable. This page explains who needs to register, the types of registration available, and how to complete the registration process.

Check you are meeting other regulatory requirements before applying for your Notice of Registration.  Examples:  District Plan zoning, building consents, and trade waste requirements.

Do I Need to Register?

You need to register if you sell, make, prepare, store or transport food commercially — including from home, online, or a food truck.

We recommend that you apply at least 20 working days before you intend to begin trading.

Before applying, you will need:

  • [Link to (4) Registration Forms] Application for Registration and Scope of Operations Forms
  • Verifier confirmation letter (if required)
  • Company registration certificate (if applicable)
  • Supporting documents (e.g. site plan if requested)

Selwyn District Council works with Hill Labs to administer food registrations. Applications can be submitted to IC.Office@hill-labs.co.nz.

If you have any questions, please contact IC.Office@hill-labs.co.nz or phone, 0508 44 555 22.

For information on fees, please see here.

Food BusinessesSteak

The Food Act 2014 came into force on 1 March 2016.

The Act places a responsibility on food business operators to ensure that the food they sell is safe and suitable to eat.

In summary, this means that:

  • 'Safe food' won't make people sick.
  • 'Suitable’ food' meets compositional, labelling and identification requirements and is in the right condition for its intended use.

Businesses that are higher risk, from a food safety point of view, will operate under more stringent food safety requirements and checks than lower-risk food businesses. The new food safety measures are:

  • Food Control Plans (FCPs) for higher-risk activities, including restaurants and cafes.
  • National Programmes (NPs)1,2 and 3 for lower-risk activities, including breweries, processors of nut and seeds and coffee carts.

Council will continue to be a regulatory authority so will continue to issue registrations for food businesses and will also perform food safety verifications for Template Food Control Plans. National Programmes are checked by Verifiers who are professionals from an independent agency.

Food Act Case Studies

MPI have created case study videos, which show real businesses operating under the new Food Act.

Useful Links

  • MPI online tool “My Food Rules" to help operators work out where their food activity or business fits within the new Food Act rules.
  • New Zealand Food Safety is supporting the Tip Top Ice Cream Company in a recall of a specific batch of its 6-pack Jelly Tip ice-cream due to the possible presence of Bacillus cereus. Find out more here.