Food

Food Premises information for Central Hawke's Bay

New Food premises application information for Central Hawke's Bay

If you are intending to open a new food premises that has not been used as a food premises before or has been closed, you need to apply for a Registration of a New Food Premises. 

Application for Registration of a new Food Premises in Central Hawke's Bay

With the application you must submit payment of the prescribed fee, copies of food handling training certification of food handlers and plans and specifications of the premises.

 Premises and Plans specifications for Central Hawke's Bay Food Premises

Included in your full set of scale plans should be an accurate layout plan of your premises showing the following details:

  • All rooms and their designations. Areas may also be designated for example, dishwash area, vegetable preparation area.
  • The position of all the appliances and fittings, such as preparation benches, shelving, cupboards, wash hand basins, dishwashing machine, cooking appliances, refrigerator and freezer units, extract ventilation hoods.
  • The position of incidental features such as yard areas, refuse storage area, staff and patrons toilets and staff changing areas.
  • You are strongly recommended to engage the services of an architect with previous experience in the development of food premises, which in most cases will hasten approval for the development.
  • Specifications of proposed construction materials and finishes are essential. They can either be included on the plan or in a separate specifications sheet.
  • The information contained in the plans and specifications should enable the Environmental Health Officer and Building Officer to check that the proposed premises complies with the appropriate Regulations and Codes. The Environmental Health Officer needs to be able to develop an idea of how the premises will operate. It is also useful to indicate the type of menu that is envisaged as this may influence the kitchen design.
  • Please note it is most important in the establishment of new premises that the site is suitable, and has sufficient space. It must be able to accommodate provision of a Grease Trap and Extract Ventilation over cooking equipment and allow sufficient kitchen space for hygienic operation of the premises.

After the application is completed satisfactorily and near to the date of completion and the proposed opening, the Environmental Health Officer must be contracted to undertake a final inspection of the premises.

If the inspection reveals the premises is set up correctly in accordance with the development plans and complies fully with the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974, the premises can then be approved and certificate of registration issued.

It is an offence to operate the premises prior to the issue of a Certificate of Registration.

 

Information regarding Annual Re-registration of food premises in Central Hawke's Bay 

Registration for food premises is undertaken annually.  At this time a Re-Registration of Food Premises Application Form and an invoice will be sent to you to complete and return.

Cenrtral Hawke's Bay Application Form for re-registration of Food Premises

Inspections are done periodically throughout the year and these inspections will form part of your re-registration.  At this time it is also a good idea to update records and send in copies of any newly completed food handler training certificates and any other relevant information on the premises.

 

Information regarding transfer of food premises registration in Central Hawke's Bay

If you are selling your business, make sure that the new owner/occupier contacts the Environmental Health Officer to apply for a Transfer of Registration.  This is essentially so records can be updated and that it is known who to contact.

Central Hawke's Bay Application for for transfer of food premises

 

Information about starting out in a food business in Central Hawke's Bay

Starting out in a food business can be a daunting proposition. It is important you are aware of the standards required and the correct application procedure.

In establishing a new premises there are few financial shortcuts. Commitment to ensuring a high standard at the development stage through selection of suitable materials and equipment combined with thoughtful design will result in greater operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.

You are urged during the process of establishing your business or with any problem relating to the food business to consult your Environmental Health Officer who can provide advice and additional information to clarify any area of uncertainty.

Before proceeding with any food business venture you are advised to consult with the following Departments and officers:

  • CHB District Council Planning Department
    • Advice on Resource Management the District Plan Requirements
  • CHB District Council Building Department for information on building and plumbing and drainage consents and the fire safety requirements
  • District Licensing Agency if your business involves the sale of liquor or BYO
  • Environmental Health
    • Advice of food hygiene and on Registration of Food Premises
  • Healthcare Hawke's Bay, Health Protection Unit
    • Advice on labelling of your product
    • Permitted levels of additives in food

 

Information about BASIC REQUIREMENTS for food premises in Central Hawke's Bay

All food premises must comply with the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 to ensure safe food production. An Environmental Health Officer can help you with this. They can do preliminary inspections at any stage of the development.

The basic requirements are:

Physical requirements of a food premises as required by the 1974 Food Hygiene Regulations Act: Schedule 1


  1. All food preparation and storage/display area surfaces must be continuously smooth, impervious to water, readily cleanable and light coloured.
  2. Floors must be coved to the walls and permanent fixtures.
  3. Lighting and ventilation must be adequate.
  4. There must be hot and cold running water and a wash hand basin must be convenient to the food preparation area and separate from other sinks.
  5. There should be staff toilet and changing facilities.
  6. You must arrange management of cleaning practices, personal hygiene policies, pest control, building maintenance and staff training.
  7. CHB District Council bylaws require at least one staff member in a supervisory position to have completed a food hygiene training course.
Registration is renewable each year from 1st August. If the business changes hands a transfer of registration is required.

When you are ready to open, contact the Environmental Health Officer for a final inspection and apply for a Certificate of Registration.  A fee will apply.  You may not open until Registration has been made and the Environmental Health Officer has approved opening of the premises.

Legal Requirement for Applicants wishing to have food premises in Central Hawke's Bay

The Food hygiene Regulations 1974 require food premises to obtain a Certificate of Registration before food can be prepared or manufactured for public sale. It is an offence to operate a food premises without a current registration certificate.

The Certificate of Registration will only be issued when the premises complies with the standards set down in the Regulations. This will be determined through inspections by the Environmental Health Officer.

Registration requirements are set out in the First Schedule of the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974. The following will take you to the Food Hygiene Regulations.  Link

Special Regulations for Eating Houses in Central Hawke's Bay

If your premises is to contain seats for the consumption of food on the premises there are some special regulations to consider. The provision of a dishwasher for rendering dishes hygienic, the protection of food for sale on display, and the provision of sufficient kitchen floor space and toilet facilities for patrons are just some important requirements.

Information about the SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS ACT pertaining to Central Hawke's Bay Food premises

This Act requires all restaurants to have at least half the seating for patrons designated as smoke-free. The occupier is legally required to ensure that smoking does not occur in the non-smoking area.

The Area Health Board has smoke-free area signs and stickers available for sale.

Information about the SALE OF LIQUOR on Food Premises in Central Hawke's Bay

If you intend to sell liquor on your premises or have patrons bring liquor for consumption on the premises while dining, you will need to apply for an ON-Licence, a requirement of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989. The method of application is outlined in the Sale of Liquor Regulations 1990. For further information contact a Liquor Licensing Inspector and see the Liquor information on this website.

It is important to realise that approval of applications and the issuing of licenses will take time and it is essential that application for a liquor licence is made well in advance of the opening of the premises.

In addition to staff toilets provision of toilets for male and female patrons will be necessary, with paraplegic access to toilet facilities also a requirement. The number of sanitary fixtures will depend on the proposed seating capacity of the premises.

Also investigation of Fire Safety requirements is essential.

List of Food Safety Training Providors in New Zealand

The following are a list of training providers for food handling qualifications.

  • Eastern Institute of Technology

 

All FEES & FORMS for Applicants of Food Premises are available for dowload below:

The following fees are as set in the 2009-2010 Schedule of Fees & Charges.

Registration of Food Premises application form                                   $270                      

Low-risk Food Premises                                                $100                       

Re-Registration of Food Premises application form                            $270                      

Re-Registration of low-risk Food Premises            $100                       

Transfer of Registration                                                $45                        

Inspection by request                                                   $90

Re-inspection for failure to comply                           $90

 

Food Newsletters are available to download below:

Issue 1 of Central Hawke's Bay District Council Food News

Issue 2 of Central Hawke's Bay District Council Food News

Issue 3 of Central Hawke's Bay District Council Food News

 Contact for Food & Health information in Central Hawke's Bay:

Environmental Health Officer:           Bobbi Twist

bobbi.twist@chbdc.govt.nz               06 857 8060