Who doesn't need a food control plan or programme?is exempt?
Food activities that are low risk, either because they don't happen often or cater to only a small number of people, don'tSome food businesses and other groups providing food won't need to operate under a food control plan or a national programme. This applies to some fundraising and community group food activities, and some businesses.programme under the Food Act 2014.
However, even if you don't need a written plan or programme, you still have to comply with food safety laws and make sure your food is safe and suitable to eat.
Find out how to make safe and suitable food
Fundraising and community group exemptions
You don't need a food control plan or programme if you are:
This applies to some:
- selling
accommodation providers early childhood education services- food for fundraising less than 20 times a year. Fundraising activities include sausage sizzles, raffles and charity events
service businesses horticultural producers- sharing food with others at sports clubs, social clubs or marae where food is not the purpose of the event. For example, providing nibbles at a bowling club games night or serving food at a tangi.
retailers.
Learn more about community activity exemptions
Businesses and education providers exemptions
Types of businesses that don't need a food control plan or programme include:
- home-based childcare providers who prepare food for children in their care
- small accommodation operators who provide food to less than 10 guests
- growers selling unprocessed, home-grown fruit and vegetables directly to consumers, such as at farm gates or farmers markets
- people who sell only pre-packaged foods that don't need refrigeration or freezing, like packets of biscuits or cans of food.
For a full list of exemptions, seeDetails about Food Act exemptions are in Schedule 3 of the Food Act 2014.
Schedule 3 of the Food Act – NZ Legislation website
Exemptions for specific businesses
Schedule 3 of the Food Act – NZ Legislation website
Community organisations that are exempted
The community food activities that are not required to operate with a food control plan or a national programme include some fundraising and cultural activities.
Further exemptions
The Act also gives the chief executive of MPI the power to exempt aspecific food business – which would not otherwise be exempt –businesses from operatingthe requirement to operate under a food control plan or under a national programme.
If you have questions about exemptions for specific food businesses, email info@mpi.govt.nz
Find out more
Not sure ifIf you are unsure whether your food activity is exempt from operating under a food control plan or national programme? Tryprogramme, try MPI's online tool— Where do I fit?
Who to contact
If you have questions about exemptions, email info@mpi.govt.nz .