Council is getting in touch with about 200 registered food businesses in the Ashburton District to advise them of a new Food Business Levy being imposed by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

The levy will come into effect on 1 July this year and Council, as the registration authority, will be responsible for collecting it annually on behalf of MPI. The levy is $57.50 this year, but will rise to $86.25 from July 2026 and to $115 from July 2027.

Food businesses registered with Council will be charged the levy each year. New businesses will pay the levy upon registration and then annually after that.

The levy will apply per site for a business that follows a Template Food Control Plan, or per registered business for those on a National Programme.

A Food Control Plan sets out what steps a business making or selling higher-risk foods needs to take to make safe food. Lower and medium-risk businesses follow a National Programme.

MPI says the levy will cover improved education and support to help businesses meet food safety standards, as well as enhanced monitoring and enforcement, and national campaigns to address food safety issues.

You can find out more information online at mpi.govt.nz under Food Act 2014 fees and charges, and levies.