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How to Apply for Exemption from the Food Hygiene Regulations

Approval of your food safety programme (FSP) by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) will exempt your business from the requirements of the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 and local authority (Council) registration.

A food safety programme will free you to concentrate time, effort and resources on issues that are important to the safety of food. In order to be exempt operators of a food business must have in place an effective food safety programme based on the principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). Periodic audits must demonstrate continued compliance with the programme.

The following resources are designed to assist you in the application process. Applications are made to the New Zealand Food Safety Authority via District Health Boards. If you have any questions related to applying for an exemption please contact a Health Protection Officer at your local District Health Board.

Approval of a Food Safety Programme: Applying for exemption from the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 (PDF) This booklet describes the exemption process and how to make an application for exemption. It includes an application form. 12pp (booklet)

Steps to Approval (PDF)
Two diagrams outlining the pathways available for food businesses applying for an exemption.

Register of Exempt Food Businesses
List of food businesses operating a food safety programme and exempt from the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974.

Other useful information

• What Does the Food Act 1981 Require?
• Frequently asked questions
• Document used to assess FSPs for approval  (Exemption Checklist)
• List of NZFSA approved auditors
• Food Safety Programmes: How to protect your customers and your business