Templated Food Safety Programmes (commonly known as off-the-peg Food Control Plans)
From August 2008 the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) and many local councils have together been promoting off-the-peg food control plans under the Food Act 1981. More than 1,200 food service sector businesses around New Zealand are using off-the-peg food control plans (which are approved as templated food safety programmes) to manage the food safety aspects of their business. At the moment they only apply to the food service sector (restaurants, takeaways, caterers). Those premises participating will be displaying a certificate showing they have a food control plan.
The food control plan is a risk-based measure that helps food operators effectively and systematically meet their food safety obligations. It concentrates on what people need to do to keep food safe. Depending on the type of food business, it identifies potential food safety risks at each point from receiving and storing goods to preparing, cooking and serving food. Step-by-step information and checklist style tools show staff how to manage those risks to protect customers.
Food control plans are a documented system. Premises operating under this system are not inspected but are audited by an Environmental health officer to ensure that the operator is conforming to their documented food control plan, or actually doing what they have said they will do, and that the law is being complied with.
Some food businesses will not be able to use an off the peg food control plan due to the activities they undertake; a custom-made food control plan will be more appropriate - an environmental health officer will be able to advise.
If you are interested in participating in this initiative and getting ahead of the game, or would like more information please contact your environmental health officer or you can view off-the-peg food control plans.
Other food safety programmes
Food safety programmes are not off-the-peg being custom made and are for particular types of operations such as manufacturers and many large retailers. For further information see food safety programmes.
Risk management programmes
If you process or manufacture animal products, you may need a risk management programme. This also includes beekeepers who export and require certification. For further information about risk management programmes see risk management programmes.