Food Premises - Inspections

This page explains the requirements for the inspection of food premises registered under the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974.

Registered premises are inspected by Environmental Health Officers

Premises hygiene standards and food handling practices must comply with the standards set out in the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 at all times.

Registered food premises including mobile food shops are inspected by Council Environmental Health Officers.

At each inspection, the officers evaluate the premises taking the following into account:

  • The suitability of the premises layout, wall, floor and work surfaces, the adequacy of hygiene facilities including hot and cold water supply and the toilet and waste facilities including grease trap.
  • Food practices – The degree of food manufacture, preparation or handling carried out on the premises.
  • Hygiene cleaning programme.
  • Staff training.

Officers will carry out inspections in addition to those set by your premises grading if hygiene compliance is an issue. You may be required to pay a fee for these inspections and your premises risk assessment may be downgraded.

Inspecting officers will notify premises owner of inspection results

Council’s Environmental Health Officers will notify you upon completion of their inspection in writing.  Their results may indicate food safety or hygiene issues, identifying any remedial work required and the time frame in which it is to be completed.

For serious breaches, you may be issued with a formal notice requiring specified remedial work to be completed and/or directing you to close your premises until the work is completed and signed off. In serious cases, you may be prosecuted in the District Court.

In cases where you also hold a licence issued under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, the officers may also apply to the Liquor Licensing Authority for the cancellation or suspension of your liquor licence and manager's certificate.

Both Council Environmental Health Officers and the Wellington Regional Public Health Officers investigate complaints about registered food premises.

Food Safety Programme premises are inspected by approved auditors

Auditors approved by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority inspect food premises operated under a Food Safety Programme.

The Regional Public Health Office investigates all complaints about Food Safety Programme premises.

Links to more food premises information

Legislation:

Porirua City Council links:

External websites: