Food grading FAQs

General questions and answers

Why are food premises in Wanganui graded?
To give the public more information about the standard of your business premises and practices.

Are other councils using grading?
Yes. Manukau City Council, Auckland City Council, Waitakere City Council, North Shore City Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rodney District Council already use the grading system.

How is the grade determined?
The grading is determined by the structure and cleanliness of the premises, food storage and handling.

This is summarised into faults. If there is a high risk to food safety then the fault is deemed critical.

A Grade:	Fewer than five minor faults; full complement of staff are qualified; no repeat faults; no critical faults; approved cleaning schedule
B Grade	Fewer than 10 minor faults; no repeat faults; full complement of staff are qualified; no critical faults; approved cleaning schedule
C Grade	Neither an A, B, D or E grade
D Grade	No complement of staff qualified, and/or a critical fault identified
E Grade	No complement of staff qualified, and/or more than one critical fault

The grades are based on the conditions and practices observed on the day of the inspection. They are clearly marked on the registration certificates which must be displayed at the main entrance of all food premises.

We expect all restaurants and shops (that don't have an exemption from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority) to seek the ‘A' grade standard.

Does an 'A' grade guarantee customers won't get sick?
No. The grading is an assessment of conditions and practices the inspector found on the day on inspection.

Where will the grading be displayed?
Gradings will be clearly marked on registration certificates that must be prominently displayed in all food premises.

What does an exemption mean?
Some food premises have a food safety programme in place approved by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA). These premises are exempt from being graded by North Shore City Council and are subject to regular audits by the NZFSA. These premises display an 'exempt' grade in our food grading search. Exemption is granted because an approved food safety programme will give a greater level of confidence in the safety of food than could be expected by compliance with the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974.

What if I can't find a food premise I know is operating?
The food premise may be registered under a company name but using a different (trading) name that is recognised by customers.

Questions and answers for food premise operators

When are food premises graded?
The grading is part of the registration certificate and administered according to the requirements of the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974. The grading is assigned at the routine inspection.

What does it cost food premise owners?
The annual registration fee will continue to be set according to the level of compliance with the Food Hygiene Regulations. A $50 reinspection fee to check requisitions still applies.

Can food premises get a grading changed?
Yes food premise owners can apply to be reinspected and regraded.

How long does a certificate last?
The certificate is valid for 12 months unless rejected.

What about mobile shops and new premises?
Mobile shops will not be graded. New premises will not be graded on the initial inspection but after a follow-up inspection within three months of opening.

If you have further questions, please contact Wanganui District Council
Email Customer Services or Phone (06) 349 0001