Nelson City Council

(also known as off-the-peg Food Control Plans)

As from August 2008 the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) and many local councils have together been promoting off-the-peg food control plans under the Food Act 1981.

More than 1,200 food service sector businesses around New Zealand are using off-the-peg food control plans (which are approved as templated food safety programmes) to manage the food safety aspects of their business. At the moment they only apply to the food service sector (restaurants, takeaways, caterers).  Those premises participating will be displaying a certificate showing they have a food control plan.

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 are a documented system.  Premises operating under this system are not inspected but are verified (audited) by an Environmental Health Officer to ensure that you are conforming to your documented food control plan, or actually doing what you have said you will do, and that the law is being complied with.

Some food businesses will not be able to use an off the peg  food control plan due to the activities they undertake; a custom-made food control plan will be more appropriate - your Environmental Health Officer will be able to advise you.

If you are interested in participating in this initiative and getting ahead of the game, or would like more information please contact your Environmental Health Officer or you can view off-the-peg food control plans. 

The NZFSA has produced a short video which provides an introduction to the off the peg food control plan and the video is now on youtube as three parts:

Part 1 - NZFSA Food Control Plan - Introduction.avi

Part 2 - NZFSA Food Control Plan - Basics and Safe Serve.avi

Part 3 - NZFSA Food Control Plan - Records and Audits.avi

Other food safety programmes

Food safety programmes are not off-the-peg being custom made and are for particular types of operations such as manufacturers eg manufacturers of dairy products.  For further information about food safety programmes see food safety programmes on the NZFSA website.

Risk management programmes

If you process or manufacture animal products, you may need a risk management programme.  This also includes beekeepers who export and require certification.  For further information about risk management programmes see risk management programmes on the NZFSA website