Applying for Food Licences

Te Tono Raihana Kai

Depending on the scope of your food business, you will need to register to operate under either a Food Control Plan (FCP) or a National Programme (NP). To find out which plan suits your business see the MPI website’s My Food Rules tool.

The following Food Control Plans or National Programmes can be registered with us:

1. Template food control plans — you build your plan from templates designed by MPI.
2. Three levels of National Programmes, depending on the degree of food safety (medium to lower risk food processes/activities) associated with the food business.

• Level 3 for higher risk (NP L3).
• Level 2 for medium risk (NP L2).
• Level 1 for lower risk (NP L1).

You could also develop your own custom food control plan and register it as a custom food control plan with MPI.

Submit the application and MPI scope of operations forms with supporting documents and fee to us. We may request further information and/or arrange for an on-site visit prior to the registration being granted.

You may also need a Trade Waste Licence.

Compliance Checks

Food Control Plan

Verification will be carried out by an Environmental Health Officer if your business is:

• A new food business
• A food business that was exempt from registration under Food Hygiene Regulations 1974
• An existing food business changing owner and registered under FCP.

National Programmes

Council is approved to complete verifications of some National Programmes. You will need to nominate your verifier, either council if applicable, or a third party verifier to complete the verification.

Purchasing a Food Business

Speak to an Environmental Health Officer before you purchase an existing food business that is registered under:

• Food Hygiene Regulations 1974
• Voluntary Implementation Programme (VIP) — Off-The-Peg Food Control Plan.
• MPI Template Food Control Plan: Food Service and Food Retail sector.
• National Programme.

Food Control Plans, National Programmes and registration certificates under Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 cannot be transferred. When a new owner takes over an existing food business they will need to apply for a new FCP or NP depending on the scope of their business.

If you are planning to make structural changes to existing food premises then you need to contact us to speak to a Building Development Facilitator.

Alcohol Licensing

If you intend to sell alcohol on your premises or have patrons bring alcohol for consumption on the premises while dining, you will need to apply for the appropriate licence as a requirement of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. Alcohol can’t be sold until a separate licence has been obtained.

Food Stalls

Food stalls for charity or fundraising purposes may be exempt from registering but still need to provide safe and suitable food. If you wish to sell food as a business or for profit you will need to register under a Food Control Plan, or National Programme Level 3, 2 or 1.