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Voluntary implementation programme

We rolled out a voluntary implementation programme, in partnership with a number of local councils (territorial authorities), in August 2008 to maintain the momentum of the Domestic Food Review and to apply one of the risk-based measures proposed in the Food Bill. The information and feedback from the programme has been an important step in the refinement of the new Food Bill.

The voluntary implementation programme uses the current Food Act 1981 to introduce food service sector businesses (eg restaurants, cafes, takeaways, caterers) to one of the key risk-based measures proposed in the Food Bill – the template food control plan.

More than 1,200 food service sector businesses around New Zealand are using templated food control plans (approved as food safety programmes) to manage the food safety aspects of their business.

Food control plans

The food control plan is a risk-based measure that helps food operators effectively and systematically meet their food safety obligations. It concentrates on what people need to do to keep food safe. Depending on the type of food business, it identifies potential food safety risks at each point from receiving and storing goods to preparing, cooking and serving food. Step-by-step information and checklist style tools show staff how to manage those risks to protect customers.

Food control plans

Exemption from Food Hygiene Regulations 1974

Operators who choose to manage the food safety aspects of their business by having a templated food control plan approved by territorial authorities or NZFSA are exempt from the requirements of the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974. Their food control plan sets the rules for how they will meet food safety obligations. Environmental health officers (EHOs) are responsible for ensuring an operator's approved food safety programme (a template food control plan) is the right fit for their business and that it is being followed.

Participating councils

70 local councils are taking part in the voluntary programme and are prepared to approve the template food control plan as a food safety programme. EHOs from participating councils have been trained in the approval and application of the new risk management tool. EHOs provide information and support to businesses wanting to adopt a food control plan. Food control plans can be obtained free of charge from participating councils or downloaded from this website.

Local councils participating in the voluntary implementation programme

Information for participating councils

We have developed a password protected area for local council staff involved in the voluntary implementation programme. To obtain a user name and password email info@nzfsa.govt.nz.

Information for participating councils

[Updated 5 July 2010]