Step 1: Do you need to register?
If you are intending to start a new business preparing or selling food to the public (this includes a food stall) you must register your business with the Council. You may also require a Building Consent or Resource Consent. There are different types of registration depending on the type of food you sell. Starting a food business | NZ Government is a tool that can help you find out whether you need to register and what you may need to do.
Exemptions:
Under the Food Act 2014, some food businesses and community groups are not required to operate under a Food Control Plan or a National Programme. Check out the guidelines Exemption from Food Act Registration and contact Kaipara District Council for confirmation on health@kaipara.govt.nz
Step 2: Create a Plan or Programme to make safe and suitable food
The type of food or beverage product will determine which plan or programme you will need to follow. You will need to make everyone in your business follow the plan or the programme.
Your business will be in one of the following categories:
- Template Food Control Plan – people who manufacture and prepare food.
- National Programme 3 – e.g. a dairy that scoops ice cream and bags lollies.
- National Programme 2 – e.g. a manufacturer or low risk food (ice, sauces, spreads)
- National Programme 1 – e.g. coffee carts
You can check out Food safety rules to see where you fit in or contact Council.
A tool to find out the food safety rules that apply to your business | NZ Government
You can download the plan that best suits your business from My Food Rules or Kaipara District Council will provide you with one.
Once you have worked out what type of registration you need, you will need to prepare your food safety documentation and prepare your premises or food van.
Step 3: Register your business
Once you know which plan or programme you need, you will need to register your business by completing the relevant forms below. Please complete and send to health@kaipara.govt.nz
Application to registration of a food business
Notification of a fundraising food stall
Scope of Operations - Food Control Plan Business (MPI)
One of our team members will contact you to discuss your food business.
Pay our registration fees
You will need to pay your registration fees before you begin operating. Refer to our fees and charges.
Certificate of Registration
Once the fees and have been paid and your food business application approved you will receive your Certificate of Registration and be able to begin operating.
Step 4: Get checked
Initial Verification
Once you have been trading for about 4-6 weeks, an Environmental Health Officer will contact you to arrange a suitable date and time to conduct your initial verification. Check out the Verification fees on the Fees and Charges link.
The outcome of your verification will determine the period between your next verification.
You need to make sure the food is safe. More information and advice can be found on the New Zealand Food Safety | NZ Government website.
The notebook for businesses making and selling food.
At any time, get in touch with the Environmental Health team
Phone 09 439 9280 or email health@kaipara.govt.nz
