Food Act 2014
Changes under the Food Act 2014
The new Food Act has come into force on 1 March 2016.
This national legislation is about making sure that businesses prepare and sell food that is safe and suitable to eat.
Under the act, Ashburton District Council will continue to be the regulatory authority.
We will:
- issue the registration for your food business
- perform the food safety verifications.
Depending on the type of business, the Food Act requires that all food businesses register under one of the three options:
- a template Food Control Plan (FCP)
- a National Programme (NP)
- a custom-made Food Control Plan.
What is a Food Control Plan (FCP)?
A template Food Control Plan (FCP) is a step by step guide on food safety procedures that can be tailored to suit the needs of your business.
It’s a management tool for food business operators. It includes pre-printed records, forms and a diary.
Operating with the FCP will help your business meet its food safety and suitability requirements and demonstrate your commitment to food safety.
View the Ministry for Primary Industries' video to learn more about Food Control Plans.
You can view or print the template FCP and diary from the Ministry for Primary Industries' website.
Changes to home based businesses
Food businesses preparing food for sale in a home kitchen can do so as long as they:
- comply with the rules for home businesses
- are registered under a FCP or a NP
- have a Food Safety Plan (FSP) with Ministry for Primary Industries.
You will also need to meet all other legal requirements such as home based area district plans, bylaws and other relevant acts and regulations.
Taking over an existing FCP or NP premises
A FCP and NP is non-transferable.
When a new owner takes over a FCP or NP premises they will need to register under the Food Act 2014 with a food control plan or a national programme.
Download a scope of operations form
MPI Food Business Levy
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is introducing a Food Business Levy for all registered food businesses under the Food Act 2014. This levy will come into effect on 1 July 2025, and the Council, as the registration authority, will be responsible for collecting it annually on behalf of MPI.
If your food business is registered with ADC, you will be charged the levy each year. New businesses will pay the levy upon registration, and then annually thereafter.
The levy will be based on how your business operates:
- If you follow a Template Food Control Plan (tFCP), the levy will apply per site.
- If you follow a National Programme (NP), the levy will apply per registered business.
The levy will increase over the next three years:
- From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026: $57.50 (plus GST)
- From 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027: $86.25 (plus GST)
- From 1 July 2027 onwards: $115.00 per year (plus GST)
What does the levy cover?
- Improved education and support to help businesses meet food safety and suitability standards.
- Enhanced monitoring and quick intervention to ensure the food safety system operates effectively.
- Increased support to ensure fair, consistent, and appropriate verification, registration, and enforcement for businesses that don't comply with the rules.
- Ongoing national campaigns to address widespread food safety or suitability concerns.
- More effective, efficient, and up-to-date rules and standards, developed with input from businesses.
- More effective and up-to-date rules and standards developed with input from businesses.
More information
You can find out more information online at Food Act 2014 fees, charges, and levies | NZ Government, or email foodactlevies@mpi.govt.nz