Food Control Plan (FCP): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how the Food Control Plan ensures your food business is legally compliant and what you need to do to maintain your certification.
A Food Control Plan (FCP) is a formal system used to manage food safety and ensure your business is meeting all necessary legal requirements.
Who it's for
This scheme applies to all food businesses. Whether you are running a large-scale operation or a smaller kitchen, if you are handling food for the public, you fall under these requirements.
What you get
The primary benefit of this plan is legal compliance. By implementing and following the FCP, you gain the official permission required to operate a kitchen and sell food products to the public. It provides the framework necessary to demonstrate that your food is safe to eat and that your business is meeting the national standards for food safety.
What it costs you
There is no single national price for this, as you must pay registration fees to your local council. These fees are required to get your business registered and to cover the costs of local oversight. You should check with your specific local council to find out the exact amount required for your business type.
The catch to know
The most common mistake is neglecting the administrative side of food safety. You are required to keep detailed records on a daily basis to prove that you are following your plan. Because these records must be maintained every single day, many businesses find it difficult to stay consistent. If your documentation is incomplete, you risk failing an audit.
How to apply
- Identify your business type and confirm your need for an FCP.
- Contact your local council to begin the registration process and confirm their specific fee structure.
- Establish a system for daily record-keeping to ensure you are ready for audits.
- For more information and guidance on food safety standards, visit the official portal: https://www.mpi.govt.nz