Imagine facing a hefty fine, simply because a temperature log was missing. Food safety compliance is not only about paperwork or ticking boxes; it is about protecting your business, your customers, and your reputation.
In New Zealand, food businesses are legally required to meet strict food safety regulations enforced by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Fall short, and you could face serious financial, legal, and reputational consequences.
For businesses still relying on outdated paper-based systems, staying on top of compliance can feel daunting. Missing records, human error, and overlooked safety checks can jeopardise your entire operation.
But there’s a smarter way.
The True Cost of Non-Compliance: Recent Cases
Failing to meet MPI's food safety requirements can have serious financial and legal consequences. Several recent cases illustrate how costly non-compliance can be:
Soma & Sons Limited (Tasty Foods)
$16,500 in Fines
- In January 2025, Soma & Sons Limited was fined $13,500 for failing to comply with its Food Control Plan.
- The manager, Bhavesh Soma, received an additional $3,000 fine for providing false information to a food safety officer.
- The company neglected to record critical cooking and cooling temperatures between 2020 and 2022.
Key takeaway: Poor record-keeping isn’t just an inconvenience—it can cost you thousands.
Golden Grand Trading Limited & Mayajaal Holdings Limited
$244,000 in Fines
- In June 2024, these Auckland-based liquor companies were fined for supplying over 5,000 bottles of alcohol without legitimate lot codes.
Lot codes are essential for traceability in product recalls and verifying product authenticity.
Key takeaway: Accurate labeling and traceability are non-negotiables in food safety.
Tokyo Food Company Limited & Japan Mart
$28,000 in Fines
- In September 2023, these companies failed to translate allergen declarations into English. This oversight could have triggered severe allergic reactions among consumers.
Key takeaway: Transparency in food labeling is critical for public safety and legal compliance.
These cases send a clear message: food safety compliance isn’t optional nor should it be reactive, and the cost of getting it wrong can be devastating.
Common Pitfalls That Lead to Non-Compliance
Many food businesses encounter similar challenges with compliance. The most common reasons for MPI audit failures include:
1. Incomplete or Missing Food Safety Records
MPI requires detailed documentation of food safety practices, including:
- Temperature logs
- Cleaning schedules
- Staff training records
- Food Control Plan (FCP) checks
When records are kept on paper, they can be easily lost, damaged, or forgotten. And if you can’t prove compliance, you’re at risk of severe penalties.
Vincent Arbuckle, Deputy Director-General of New Zealand Food Safety, puts it best:
"Good record-keeping is an important part of a food safety culture and ensures that if there was a food safety risk to consumers, we'd be able to access records and quickly find the origin."
2. Inconsistent Staff Training and Procedures
Even with strong food safety policies in place, compliance gaps can occur if employees:
- Forget to complete daily safety checks
- Incorrectly handle or store food
- Fail to record critical safety data
Without a structured system, staff may unintentionally skip essential tasks, putting the business at risk.
3. Last-Minute Compliance Efforts
Waiting until an MPI audit is scheduled to address compliance issues is a risky approach. Surprise audits can occur at any time, and last-minute fixes are often ineffective.
The best way to stay compliant? Be proactive, not reactive.
How Safe Food Pro Helps You Stay Compliant and Audit-Ready
The easiest way to protect your business from compliance risks is to eliminate human error, streamline record-keeping, and build a strong food safety culture. That’s where Safe Food Pro comes in, a digital food safety management system designed to help businesses meet MPI requirements effortlessly.
Automated, Paperless Record-Keeping
Safe Food Pro digitally stores all food safety records and automatically timestamps them, ensuring no data is lost or forgotten. With the system, businesses can:
- Log temperature checks instantly via mobile or tablet
- Track cleaning schedules and maintenance
- Record staff training and food handling practices
- Store and manage all compliance documents in one place
Customisable Food Control Plan (FCP) Integration
Safe Food Pro digitises your Food Control Plan (FCP), ensuring it aligns with MPI guidelines while fitting seamlessly into your daily operations. In addition, our customisable checklists ensure compliance and enhance operational efficiency.
Real-Time Monitoring & Compliance Alerts
One of the key benefits of digital food safety management is real-time visibility.
Safe Food Pro offers:
- Instant alerts for missed tasks or safety violations
- Live dashboards to track compliance performance
- Real-time temperature monitoring
Ready to Share MPI Audit Reports
When MPI auditors arrive, Safe Food Pro lets you generate compliance reports in seconds. Instead of scrambling to find paperwork, you’ll have everything:
- Organised
- Time-stamped
- Ready for review
Success Stories: Real Businesses, Real Results
Food businesses across New Zealand are using Safe Food Pro to simplify compliance and stay audit-ready.
Jess's Underground Kitchen
Challenge: Managing multiple locations with consistent food safety practices.
Solution: Safe Food Pro streamlined its processes, ensuring uniform site compliance.
Result: Enhanced efficiency and peace of mind regarding food safety standards.
Valentines Buffet Restaurant
Challenge: Maintaining comprehensive records for a high-volume establishment.
Solution: Transitioning to Safe Food Pro's digital platform eliminated paperwork hassles.
Result: Simplified compliance management and improved audit readiness.
Katsubi
Challenge: Keeping up with daily food safety checks amidst a busy operation.
Solution: Safe Food Pro's automated reminders and digital checklists ensured tasks were completed timely.
Result: Reduced human error and consistent adherence to safety protocols.
Dakogi Korean Fried Chicken
Challenge: Ensuring accurate temperature monitoring to meet safety standards.
Solution: Integration of Safe Food Pro's wireless temperature monitoring provided real-time data.
Result: Immediate alerts for any deviations, safeguarding food quality and compliance.
Ready to Protect Your Business?
The food industry is evolving, and digital solutions are the key to simpler, smarter processes. Instead of worrying about fines, lost records, and last-minute audit panic, businesses using Safe Food Pro can:
- Have peace of mind knowing compliance is covered
- Save time with automated food safety management
- Build stronger customer trust with a proactive approach
Don't wait until an MPI audit exposes compliance gaps. Future-proof your business today!
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