To sell food online or at an event, market, or fundraiser in the Gisborne Tairāwhiti district, you must follow the rules to make sure your food is safe and your operation meets legal requirements.
You need to register as a food business and meet the same requirements as other registered food businesses, unless you're exempt. Explore what's involved in Registering a food business
Organising an event
If you're organising or running an event in the Gisborne Tairāwhiti district, there may be additional consents and licenses you may need to apply for. You'll also need to complete an event application.
Event organisers may also need to monitor food sellers and support food safety at the event.
See MPI's resource Food safety tips for event organisers
All registered food operators should be able to provide a copy of their registration, or you can search their registration using MPI's public register
Preparing or selling food once per year
If you sell food only once a year, you don’t need to apply to Council for approval or registration. However, the food you prepare or sell must be safe and suitable to eat.
See MPIs website for guidance on food safety rules
Exempt from registering as a food business
Some sellers are exempt from registering as a food business and from certain Food Act requirements. These exemptions are set out under the Food Act 2014
Food sellers or groups who are exempt don't need to apply for permission to sell food, but they must comply with MPIs Food Safety Rules
Exemptions
| Type of food seller | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Fruit or vegetable grower selling only unprocessed fruit or vegetables they have grown, direct to the consumer | Exempt, but must not sell ready to eat salads |
| Charity or fundraising group selling food fewer than 20 times in a calendar year | Exempt |
| A person selling food once per year | Exempt |
| A retailer selling only manufacturer packaged shelf-stable food such as packaged nuts, chips, confectionery. | Exempt |
Homekill and recreational catch
The Animal Products Act 1999 states that homekill and recreationally caught food such as fish and game, must not be sold.
Selling includes:
- using food for advertising purposes, prizes or fundraising
- bartering
- supplying food as part of a contract
- supplying food as part of a charge for another product or service.
Need more information?
If you have any questions about food safety or food operations registered in the Gisborne district, please contact our food team.
Phone 0800 653 800 or email food@gdc.govt.nz