Up to 220 food businesses will now be audited by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council under the Food Act which came into effect on March 1.

Compliance and Monitoring manager Alison Curtis says the council is the only auditor for businesses operating solely within the Western Bay District under a template Food Control Plan.

'We anticipate council will audit between 200-220 premises. This number would increase if council meets registration requirements of the Ministry of Primary Industries for audit and verification of National Programmes under the act.”

Alison says there are multiple challenges for council as a result of the new regulations.

'That is particularly so when it comes to supporting existing food businesses in the transition, including helping them understanding what sector they fit in, when they are due to transition and the standards businesses are required to meet.

'Council must also ensure sufficient resources are available for businesses. Information and documentation required by businesses will be provided on our website, while MPI has resources on their website that can be used by businesses also.”

Premises that operate under a National Programme, must apply for registration by November 30, 2018.

This includesretailers of hot beverages and shelf-stable manufacturer-packaged foods only; retailers of manufacturer-packaged ice cream and iced confectionery; manufacturer of sugar or related products; companies which extract and pack honey; companies which transport or distribute food products; produce horticultural food and horticultural packing operations, including pack houses.

Councils have a choice as to whether to compete with external private verifiers to verify and audit national programme business types.

'For most councils this would require additional resourcing and ensuring these staff have experience and training in auditing the business types. Councils are also required to meet accreditation specifications set by MPI to undertake auditing of national programmes. Currently councils are accredited only to audit template Food Control Plans,” says Alison.

Premises that operate under a national programme need to choose a verifier from the MPI website – Western Bay of Plenty District Council is not currently registered with MPI as an auditor/verifier for National Programmes.

HortNZ business managerMatt Dolan says while they may appear daunting, growers should not be worried about the new food regulations.

'Horticulture will be among the last sectors to be regulated under the new food regulations that will operate under the Food Act, and in fact most growers are already operating to standards which far exceed those required by the act,” says Matt.