Do I need to Register?
Me Rēhita au?
Under the Food Act 2014, some food businesses and community groups are not required to operate under a food control plan or a national programme. This applies to some fundraising and community group food activities and some businesses where food activities are low risk, either because they don’t happen often or cater to only a small number of people. However, even though registration is not required food must be safe and suitable to eat and you may also need to complete a food stall application form.
Fundraising and Community Group Exemptions
You don’t need a food control plan or national programme if you are:
- Selling food for fundraising less than 20 times a year. Fundraising activities include sausage sizzles, raffles and charity events. You may, however, need to apply for a food stall license.
- Sharing food with others at sports clubs, social clubs or marae where food is not the purpose of the event. For example, providing nibbles at a bowling club games night or serving food at a tangi.
Businesses and Education Provider’s Exemptions
Types of businesses that don’t need a food control plan or programme include:
- Home-based childcare providers who prepare food for children in their care.
- Small accommodation operators who provide food to fewer than 10 guests.
- Growers selling unprocessed, home-grown fruit and vegetables directly to consumers, such as at farm gates or farmers markets.
- People who sell only manufacturer pre-packaged foods that don’t need refrigeration or freezing, like packets of biscuits or cans of food.
- Commercial fishing operators providing meals to their crew.
- Clubs, organisations and societies where members produced food for other members at events or gatherings held and attended by members and where the trade in food is not the purpose of the event.
