Why food safety is vital to your business

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is a proud partner of the New Zealand Food Awards, sponsoring the Primary Sector category. This partnership reflects the importance of food safety in Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage industry and the commitment of the New Zealand Food Awards to promoting food safety.

1. What is the role of food safety in the New Zealand Food Awards?

NZFS is responsible for setting the rules and guiding the implementation of standards for food production, processing, importing and exporting and ensuring they are met. As part of the New Zealand Food Awards process, all finalists are thoroughly checked by NZFS to make sure they are complying with the food safety requirements relevant to their business. The New Zealand Food Awards is the only programme in New Zealand that includes this level of scrutiny. The food safety checks from NZFS assure both customers and producers that a high standard has been met. This type of endorsement provides producers with many opportunities, including breaking into an export market.

Deputy Director-General (DDG) Vincent Arbuckle visiting the Pure Food Co premises.

The Pure Food Co says their successful growth and expansion was supported by being named the Supreme Award winner in 2019 and obtaining public recognition of good food safety practices from NZFS. This meant they could confidently approach new business opportunities.

Pure Food Co Co-Founder and Managing Director Sam Bridgewater says, “Winning the NZ Food Awards helped our brand both in New Zealand and overseas. We saw it as additional validation of the work we had done to drive world-class standards, particularly given the people and customers we support. It was noticeable that our customers acknowledged and respected the accolade, even in Australia and France.”

2. Define food safety checks in a positive food safety culture

New Zealand has built an excellent reputation for food safety around the world. As a result, people purchasing and eating food that has been made in New Zealand can be confident that it has been through the right checks to protect consumers. Food safety checks (also known as verification) are carried out by verifiers on a regular basis and ensure that the business is adhering to the food safety standards and regulations relevant to their business. The checks are not only a legal obligation but also crucial for ensuring the safety and suitability of food products.

Food businesses that have good verification outcomes generally have a strong food safety culture where everyone understands what’s expected of them to maintain food safety in their workplace. A strong food safety culture involves everyone in the business, from executive managers to frontline workers. Cleanliness and hygiene are prioritised and there is strict adherence to a business’ established food safety guidelines. In essence, it’s about fostering behaviours that contribute to a safe and high-quality food production environment. The Buddy magazine issue 2 is a useful resource that provides tips and information on fostering a food safety culture in your business.

3. What are the benefits of having regular food safety checks?

Conducting regular food safety checks is beneficial for everyone.

• Good food, good business - trust is a cornerstone of customer loyalty and brand reputation. By carrying out the correct checks, you are ensuring that food products are safe and reliable for your customers.

• Save time, save money - when you are meeting your checks, you can save money on verification costs as you are verified less often.

• Unsafe food can cause serious illnesses or even fatalities, leading to a public health crisis. Protect your customers by making sure that good food safety behaviours are in place and that there are resources and tools available to support your staff.

• Having an excellent food safety record helps secure a finalist’s position in the New Zealand Food Awards. The food safety checks include your registration with your local council or the Ministry for Primary Industries, your verification history and any labelling and health claims relating to your product.

4. What food safety checks are vital to your business?

For all food businesses and people working in the industry, the following basic measures must be adhered to:

• Staff training and education – employees are trained in good food safety practices such as proper hand washing, safe food handling and understanding of foodborne illness prevention.

• Hygiene and sanitation – strict cleaning protocols for all areas and equipment including kitchens, storage areas (indoor and outdoor spaces), bathrooms and dining spaces. Good procedures in place to manage hand hygiene, staff sickness and prevent contamination to food.

• Food Storage – appropriate storage spaces and equipment used, correct storage temperatures for perishable items, appropriate labelling and safe handling practices to prevent cross-contamination.

• Good documentation – to provide a clear record of all practices, procedures and compliance efforts.

The following components are slightly more technical and management-related elements to be considered:

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) – a good HACCP plan that’s well implemented ensures appropriate identification and control of potential hazards in the food production process. 

• Traceability – adequate system in place to trace the source of food ingredients to facilitate recalls.

• Regular audits and inspections – complete internal audits to ensure continuous compliance with regulations.

• Customer communication – make sure there is a system in place to receive and address customer complaints and feedback.

• Registration and verification - business is registered and follows the food safety measures relevant to their business to ensure good verification outcomes.

5. How you can work with NZFS to ensure you are meeting your food safety checks

NZFS have developed some key food safety resources to help you meet the food safety rules relevant to your business.

Being endorsed by NZFS provides many opportunities for food and beverage producers.

• A simulated recall guidance document was developed to help food businesses run simulated recalls. A simulated recall must be carried out every 12 months by all businesses (including importers and exporters) registered under the Food Act, Animal Products Act or Wine Act.

• Consumer-level food recalls reports for 2022 and 2023 provide an overview of food safety issues that resulted in food businesses conducting food recalls.

• National programme overview provides information for lower-risk food businesses and how to operate under the Food Act 2014.

• Steps to a Simply Safe and Suitable Template Food Control Plan offers a step-by-step process on what’s involved when developing your Simply Safe & Suitable Template Food Control Plan.

• Refreshed Buddy magazine issue 1 which highlights the most important food safety areas to get right to ensure the food you make and sell is safe and suitable to eat.

• Food safety toolkit webpage that offers a range of downloadable resources.