Food Safety Overview

Food safety is a vital component of any food business.  Any business having unsafe food risks passing food borne illnesses onto customers which as well as being a major public health issue can result in significant adverse publicity and legal action/closure for any food business that has unacceptable food safety standards which resulted in the food illnesses occurring. 

Prior to food being manufactured, prepared or sold to the public the premises or operation must be either registered under the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 or have an approved Food Safety Programme.

Currently most of the food premises in Nelson City are registered under the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 but Council is actively encouraging the change to the risk-based templated Food Safety Programme (also known as the Off the Peg Food Control Plan).

It is an offence to operate food premises without either a current certificate of registration or an approved Food Safety Programme. 

There are a few exemptions to this such as for one-off charity food sales.

There is currently no grading system in relation to food premises in Nelson City, although one may be implemented through national legislation in the future.

New Zealand Food Safety Authority Information

The NZFSA web site has essential information for both food consumers and suppliers.

Web Information and downloadable pamphlets are available on line or you can request hard copies by calling 0800 693 721 (0800 NZFSA1) or emailing info@nzfsa.govt.nz.

Further information

Getting Started

Mobile Food Premises

Exemptions

Complaints About Food and Food Premises

Food Safety outcomes sought