New Zealand is setting up a new food safety law. This means some businesses need to register themselves under the new Food Act. But when do they have to apply by?
The food businesses that need to apply for this new act include restaurants and cafes with an alcohol licence. They need to do so by the 31st of March 2017. Over 5,000 food businesses across the country are already registered under the new law, which came into effect last year.
What makes this Food Safety Law different?
The new law set will improve food safety by moving to a risk-based approach. New businesses have to comply to the new act straightaway, while old businesses have a transition time. There are also other businesses that need to conform to the new food safety act. Businesses like ther Early Childhood Education centres that serve food; processors of nuts, seeds or coffee beans; and manufacturers of food for vulnerable people (like babies or the elderly), ready-to-eat salads, and sauces, spreads, dips or soups that need to be kept cold.
Under the new rules, businesses need to use a written plan for food safety. This is known as a food control plan. Medium and lower risk businesses will follow a set of food safety rules known as a national programme. Also, registered businesses get checked by a food safety verifier. By doing this, it will check whether businesses are making safe food.
Do you own a food business in New Zealand or know of mates in New Zealand who own a food business, have you or they registered their restaurant? If not, have you planned when to do so?
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