It’s the final countdown for existing food businesses to meet the 28 February 2019 Food Act registration deadline. New Zealand Food Safety is urging the owners/managers of every unregistered New Zealand business that makes or sells food, to find out immediately if they need to register a plan or programme under the Food Act 2014.
If businesses want to find out what rules they need to follow and how they can register, they can use the online tool Where Do I Fit? as a starting point – www.mpi.govt.nz/where-do-i-fit. If businesses aren’t registered by the 28 February deadline, the Ministry for Primary Industries and local councils will need to take enforcement action.
Most New Zealand food businesses have now registered, which is excellent. New Zealand Food Safety, local councils and industry organisations are working hard to help all remaining businesses to meet the 28 February deadline for registration. This includes supporting businesses in the apiculture, transport, horticulture, food retail, food manufacturing, and grain processing sectors, plus brewers, distillers, manufacturers of vinegar, alcoholic beverages or malt extract. We have been holding Food Act workshops across the country to provide extra support to food businesses.
For any new businesses, it’s never too late to register – refer to www.mpi.govt.nz/where-do-i-fit.
For questions about the registration process and deadline, please contact your local council or email foodactinfo@mpi.govt.nz.
