Who doesn't need a food control plan or programme?
Food activities that are low risk, either because they don't happen often or cater to only a small number of people, don'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.
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:
- selling food for fundraising less than 20 times a year. Fundraising activities include sausage sizzles, raffles and charity events
- 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.
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, see Schedule 3 of the Food Act 2014.
Schedule 3 of the Food Act – NZ Legislation website
Exemptions for specific businesses
The Food Act 2014 exempts some food activities from registration.
The Act also gives the chief executive of MPI the power to exempt a food business – which would not otherwise be exempt – from operating under a food control plan or national programme. If you are not exempt, but you think you should be, you can apply to MPI for an exemption.
The types of activities that may be considered would be similar to those listed above, such as infrequent events or activities that may not be considered food for sale.
You will need to show that you understand how to manage food safety hazards and ensure that your food is safe to eat. You will also need to show that you have a valid and appropriate reason for why your business should be treated as a special case.
Contact MPI to apply for an exemption:
- Phone: 0800 00 83 33
See section 33 of the Food Act 2014 – NZ Legislation website - Email: info@mpi.govt.nz
Find out more
Not sure if you are exempt from operating under a food control plan or national programme? Try MPI's online tool— Where do I fit?
Who to contact
If you have questions about exemptions, email info@mpi.govt.nz .