Plan or programme?
If you're unsure if you'll be operating under a food control plan, or a national programme, use our online tool— Where Do I Fit? Then return to this page to check the timetable.
Food Act implementation timetables
By 28 FebruaryAt the end of the 3-year transition period in 2019, all food businesses will be operating under the new Act. Until the transition time for your food sector ends, you can continue to operate under existing laws.
You can move to the new law any time from 1 March 2016.laws before the start of the transition period for your type of food business. However, from the start date of each transition period, MPI will be focusedfocussed on providing additional guidance and support to food businesses in each group.
You must apply to register your food control plan or national programme business 3 months before the final date for registration.
Food Control Plans
Apply by 31 March 2017Apply by 31 March 2018Apply by 30 November 2018| 1 March 2016 to 30 June 2017 | 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 | 1 July 2018 to 28 February 2019 |
| Manufacturers of food for vulnerable populations.* | Manufacturers of commercially sterilised food products. | Manufacturers of vegetable protein and other protein products. |
| Manufacturers of fresh ready-to-eat salads. | Manufacturers of meat, poultry or fish products. | Businesses with a deemed food control plan. |
| Manufacturers of non-shelf stable sauces, spreads, dips, soups, broths, gravies or dressings. | Manufacturers of dairy products. | |
| Food service sector – on-licence. For example restaurants, cafes, caterers and hotels. | Manufacturers of processed egg products. | |
| Manufacturers of meals and prepared food. | ||
| Wholesale bakers. | ||
| Food retailers who | ||
| Food service sector – no on-licence. For example cafes, takeaways, caterers, accommodation businesses, hospitals, residential care and educational facilities, and prisons. |
* Find out more about vulnerable populations
National Programme 3
Apply by 31 March 2018Apply by 30 November 2018| 1 March 2016 to 30 June 2017 | 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 | 1 July 2018 to 28 February 2019 |
| Processors of herbs or spices. | Grain processors. | |
| Retailers who | Manufacturers of oils and fats for human consumption. | |
| Manufacturers of food additives, processing aids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients intended to be added to food. | Manufacturers of dry mix powders. | |
| Manufacturers of non-alcoholic beverages. | Brewers, distillers, manufacturers of vinegar, alcoholic beverages or malt extract. |
National Programme 2
Apply by 31 March 2017Apply by 31 March 2018Apply by 30 November 2018| 1 March 2016 to 30 June 2017 | 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 | 1 July 2018 to 28 February 2019 |
| Food services to pre-school children (including children under 5 years) in a centre-based setting. | Retailers of manufacturer-packaged chilled and frozen food (excluding ice cream and iced confectionery). | Manufacturers of shelf-stable grain-based products. |
| Processors of nuts or seeds. | Manufacturers of confectionery. | Manufacturers of crisps, popcorn, pretzels, soy crisps or similar snack products. |
| Bakeries that prepare or manufacture bread or bread-derived products only. | Manufacturers of dried or dehydrated fruit or vegetables. | |
| Manufacturers of water-based products including ice, iced confectionery and desserts. | ||
| Manufacturers of shelf-stable condiments (including sauces, spreads and preserves). | ||
| Manufacturers of frozen fruit and vegetables. |
National Programme 1
Businesses operating under National Programme 1 will transition to the new requirements between 1 July 2018 and 28 February 2019. You should apply by 30 November 2018 to register your National Programme 1 business.They are:
The businesses in National Programme 1 are:
- Retailers of hot beverages and shelf-stable manufacturer-packaged foods only.
- Extractors and packers of honey.
- Manufacturers of sugar or related products.
- Transporters or distributors of food products.
- Producers of horticultural food and horticultural packing operations (packhouses).
- Retailers of manufacturer-packaged
manufacturer packagedice cream and iced confectionery.
Plan or programme?
If you're unsure if you'll be operating under a food control plan, or a national programme, use our online tool – Where do I fit? Then return to this page to check the timetable.
Who to contact
If you have questions about the transition timetable, email info@mpi.govt.nz .