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Explanation of terms | Food
premises
2009/2010 food grading certificate
About food grading
Auckland City first introduced food premises grading in 2002. It was first
reviewed in 2006 and has been reviewed again 2009. The new changes to the
grading scheme will become effective in 1 December 2009.
The food grading system is an initiative designed to improve food safety. All
businesses providing food to the public must display a licence that shows their
grade. This should be in a prominent position on the premises that is visible to
the public.
This means that you can judge how well the business is complying with the
rules and regulations that govern food safety, however the grade will only make
sense if you understand what the various levels of food grading
represent.
The Food Premises Licence (Certificate of Registration) carries the grade on it
as set out in Part 15.4 of
Auckland City's Consolidated Bylaw 2008.
How grades are assessed
Food premises are audited on a routine basis by an Environmental Health
Officer. The officer checks to see if the business is meeting the current rules
and regulations that govern food safety.
The inspection focuses on the follow areas:
- the physical condition of the premises
- the conduct of the operator and staff
- cleaning and sanitising of the premises
- training of staff
- food safety procedures in place.
More information about safe food
practices.
Understanding the grades
The grade indicates the standard of food hygiene found in premises at the
time of the last grading inspection. Inspections are carried out prior to
registration or the renewal of registration.
To assist with understanding, the gradings are based on the kind that used to
be passed out at school.
Note: There is no Grade C to avoid it being thought of as a
"passing" grade.
|
Gold A |
is given to premises that are achieving a very high level of compliance
with the regulations. In addition, they consistently demonstrate best
practice to ensure that food is safe. |
|
Grade A |
is given to premises that are achieving a high level of compliance with
the regulations. |
|
Grade B |
is given to premises that are achieving a moderate level of compliance
with the regulations. |
|
Grade D |
is given to premises that are not achieving a satisfactory level of
compliance with the regulations, and/or have repeated faults from a
previous inspection. |
|
Grade E |
is given to premises that have serious deficiencies in their level of
compliance with the regulations. |
|
Grade Pending |
is given to new premises where we are waiting for the business to settle
down before assessing the food handling practices and assigning the
grade. Usually the premise will have been checked to ensure that
structure complies with legislation. |
|
CI |
This premises holds a certificate of inspection. It does not require
registration and is not included in Auckland City's food grading scheme.
These premises still need to meet the standards set by the Food Hygiene
Regulations 1974 and they are inspected annually. |
Voluntary implementation of Food Control Plans
Food businesses in the food service sector, that is businesses such as cafes,
restaurants, take-aways and off-site caterers can all choose to adopt the new
template or 'off the peg' food control plan that has been developed by NZFSA for
their business.
This plan is ready to use and is ideal for small to medium sized businesses.
It offers a comprehensive programme that allows food operators to manage and
control food hazards in their business.
Adopting a food control plan is a sign that the food operator is taking food
safety seriously.
Food businesses that want to find out more about signing up for a food
control plan can email us at
foodcontrolplans@aucklandcity.govt.nz or
phone (09) 379-2020.
Exemptions
Registration of a Food Safety Programme or a Custom
Made Food Control Plan
Some larger food premises can choose to develop and register a food safety
programme or custom made food control plan. These can be developed by modifying
an off the peg plan, or be written from scratch. They will need to be evaluated
by an approved evaluator before being registered with NZFSA.
Approval of a food safety programme or custom made food control plan by the
NZFSA will exempt a business from the requirements of the Food Hygiene
Regulations 1974 and local authority (Auckland City) registration. They
therefore do not come under Auckland City's food premises grading scheme.
For more information visit
www.nzfsa.govt.nz
Certificate of inspection
Some premises do not require registration and are not subject to Auckland
City's food grading scheme. Examples are:
- RSAs
- other premises not open to the general public such as sports clubs
- workplace cafeterias, schools and other premises where the provision of
food is secondary to its main purpose
- boats.
These premises still need to meet the standards set by the Food Hygiene
Regulations 1974 and they are inspected annually. A Certificate of Inspection is
issued once the inspection has confirmed that the premises complies with food
safety requirements.
More information about opening a new
food business.
Updated June 2009
