Planning
for a Food Premises
Introduction
Remember
- All food for sale must be made on registered premises.
- Any premises used for the manufacture, preparation or storage of food for sale must be registered with the Waitakere City Council.
- You cannot open your food premises to the public unless you are registered.
Registration
You have two options:
1. Registration under the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974
Your premises must comply with the requirements of the
Food Hygiene Regulations 1974.
You are required to fill in an application form for either:
- Registration of a new food premises prior to opening
- Transfer of a licence into your name after purchasing an existing food premises. This should be completed prior to the purchase to remain valid.
The food premises licensing period runs from 1 July to 30 June of the following year. The fee is dependent on the total area of premises or number of seats.
2. Registration of a Food Safety Programme
From 1 July 1997, the Ministry of Health or a participating Local Authority may grant exemptions from the requirements of the Food Hygiene Regulation 1974. In order to be exempt operators of a food business must have in place an effective Food Safety Programme based on the principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point.
An approved auditor must audit a Food Safety Programme. If you do not have an approved Food Safety Programme in place when opening your food premise you will need to comply with the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974.
Requirements
The First Schedule of the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 and amendments (refer appendix 1) sets out the structural requirements for a food premises.
Note: There may be other requirements for your specific operation. It is important to discuss these with a
Environmental Health Inspector. For example, there are also requirements on minimum kitchen floor sizes.
Contact us for further
information.
Environmental Health Inspector
Please contact an Environmental Health Inspector prior to setting up your food premises. Arrangements can be made for a
Environmental Health Inspector to visit your premises during its construction to ensure it is set up correctly (right/practical
advice).
Food safety courses
Waitakere City requires at least one person working in a food premises to hold a certificate in Basic Food Safety within 3 months of the premises becoming registered. However, it is recommended that all staff involved with food obtain this qualification. This qualification must be renewed every 3 years.
Planning
Planning approval may be required under the Resource Management
Act 1991.
Advise a planner about the location the type of business you propose, to ensure that you can set up a food premises in your chosen area. Find out if there are any parking or other planning requirements for your area. Lighting, noise, and air extraction systems may affect neighbouring premises. It is essential you find out the requirements for these so you do not cause a nuisance to your neighbours.
Building
If you are building a new premises or altering an existing building you will require
Building Consent. You will need to speak to a Customer Services Officer about the submission of an accurate plan and any other information they may be required. You will need to state clearly the type of operation you intend and include plans and information detailing:
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The designation of all rooms and any specific areas,
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Layout of appliances and fittings, including the position of work benches, tabled, shelves, cupboards, sinks, wash basins, cooking equipment, refrigerators and freezers, lockers and dishwashers (if required).
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Type and location of artificial lighting and ventilation
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Location of yard areas, the refuse disposal area, changing rooms and customer services areas.
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An outline of the construction material and surface finishes that you propose.
Plumbing and drainage
If you are installing toilets, sinks or wash hand basins you will need
Building Consent for the plumbing and drainage work.
Auckland Healthcare
If you intend to operate as a wholesale outlet or food manufacturer you need to contact a Health protection Officer at
Auckland
Healthcare. They will advise you about labelling, ingredients and preservative requirements.
District Licensing Agency (Liquor Licensing)
If you intend to apply for a liquor licence you should contact the
District Licensing Agency at an early stage, to find out your obligations under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.
Covered by the First Schedule Food Hygiene Regulations 1974:
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floors
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walls
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ceilings
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lighting
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ventilation
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space
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changing facilities
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wash-hand basins
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water supply
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hot water supply
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plumbing
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sewage disposal
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