Working as a food safety officer

Food safety officers enforce the Food Act

Food safety officers investigate:

All food safety officers are employed by either the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) or a local council.

The Food Act sets out:

Our online training modules help food safety officers understand their role under the Food Act. All applicants must complete these modules.

Food safety officers can carry out their role anywhere in New Zealand. They must act under the authority of their employers.

Council staff must complete an application. Your application must be endorsed by your employer.

To apply you need to complete 2 forms:

Form 1 – SA2: Statutory appointment application form:

All applicants will need to show they have the skills required to be a food safety officer. This must include:

a tertiary or postgraduate qualification related to food or scientific principles that can translate to the food sector
a formal qualification relevant to hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP)
training in compliance fundamental skills
work experience in a regulatory compliance or relevant food industry role
knowledge of the Food Act 2014 and associated legislation
skills specific to food investigations under the Food Act 2014 and associated legislation.

Complete pages 1 and 2 on Form 1 – SA2: Statutory appointment application form above.
Get your manager to endorse your reappointment (page 5).
Include an updated photo (page 6).
Complete the 'Vetting Service Request and Consent Form' (pages 8–10).

Note, we do not need further evidence of qualifications.

Territorial authorities (district and city councils) will investigate:

This may be in relation to any food business registered by the territorial authority.

MPI will investigate complaints and non-compliance of businesses that are registered with MPI.

If you have questions about food safety officers, email info@mpi.govt.nz