Custom Food Control Plan Evaluation NZ | CFCP Evaluation Support

Custom Food Control Plan Evaluation

A Custom Food Control Plan may be required when a food business has activities, processes or food safety risks that are not fully covered by a standard template Food Control Plan. Custom Food Control Plan evaluation is an independent review of the plan to check whether it is suitable for the business activities and whether it is likely to produce safe and suitable food when followed correctly.

Who This Service Is For

This service may be suitable for food manufacturers with complex processes, businesses using specialised processing methods, businesses producing higher-risk foods, businesses with activities not fully covered by a template Food Control Plan, multi-process food businesses, businesses developing a new food safety system, businesses changing products, processes, equipment or premises, and businesses needing evaluation before registration.

What Is Custom Food Control Plan Evaluation?

Custom Food Control Plan evaluation is a structured review of the food safety plan before registration or approval. The purpose is to check whether the plan describes the business activities clearly, identifies relevant food safety hazards, includes suitable controls, explains how controls will be monitored, includes corrective actions if controls are not met, includes suitable records, reflects the actual business operation, is practical for staff to implement, and is likely to produce safe and suitable food if followed.

What We Review During Evaluation

Business scope and food activities
Product types and intended use
Process flow diagrams
Hazard identification
Food safety controls
HACCP-based controls where applicable
Temperature controls
Cleaning and sanitation procedures
Allergen management
Supplier approval and receiving controls
Traceability and recall procedures
Monitoring procedures and corrective actions
Record keeping systems
Implementation readiness

Common Gaps Found in Custom Food Control Plans

Business scope not clearly described
Process flow missing or incomplete
Hazards not fully identified
Controls not clearly linked to hazards
Monitoring checks not clearly defined
Corrective actions not practical or specific
Records not included for key controls
Cleaning or allergen controls not detailed enough
Traceability and recall procedures incomplete
Changes to products or processes not reflected in the plan

Important Independence Requirement

Where applicable, evaluation and verification must be managed independently. This means the person or agency evaluating the Custom Food Control Plan may not be able to verify the same plan later. We will confirm the applicable independence requirements before starting work.

Our Process

Initial Discussion

We discuss your business activities, products, processes and the reason a Custom Food Control Plan is required.

Scope Confirmation

We confirm the scope of evaluation and whether the work is within recognised scope.

Document Request

We request the relevant plan documents, procedures, records, process information and supporting evidence needed for evaluation.

Plan Review

We review the Custom Food Control Plan to check whether hazards, controls, monitoring, corrective actions and records are suitable for the business operation.

Gap Identification

If gaps are identified, we provide clear comments so the business can update the plan before final evaluation.

Evaluation Report

Once the plan is assessed and accepted, an evaluation report can be prepared for the registration process, where applicable.

Registration Support

The business may need to include the evaluation report with the registration application. We can provide guidance on the next step.

Verification Requirement

After registration, the business will need verification. Where independence requirements apply, the verifier must be different from the evaluator.

Need Help With Custom Food Control Plan Evaluation?

Contact us today for free initial guidance. We can help you understand what documents may be needed, whether your plan is ready for evaluation and the next step for registration or verification.

Common Questions

What is a custom Food Control Plan evaluation?

A custom Food Control Plan evaluation is a review of a custom plan to check whether the plan is likely to produce safe and suitable food if followed correctly.

When is a custom Food Control Plan needed?

A custom Food Control Plan may be needed when a business has food activities not covered by available templates or National Programmes, or when a business needs a plan tailored to its specific processes and risks.

Who can evaluate a custom Food Control Plan?

A custom Food Control Plan must be evaluated by a recognised evaluator where required. The evaluator checks the plan against relevant requirements and provides an evaluation report.

Can the same person evaluate and verify the same custom Food Control Plan?

Where independence requirements apply, the evaluator and verifier must be different. This helps maintain independence between plan evaluation and business verification.

What does the evaluation review include?

The review may include business activities, food safety risks, process controls, monitoring, corrective actions, records, staff responsibilities, supporting systems and whether the plan is suitable for the business operation.

Can you help update a custom Food Control Plan?

Yes. We can support businesses with reviewing changes, identifying gaps and preparing updates where required.

What is the difference between evaluation and verification?

Evaluation is a review of the Custom Food Control Plan document before registration. Verification is an ongoing independent check of whether the business is following the plan in practice. These must be managed independently where applicable.

Can you help improve my draft Custom Food Control Plan before evaluation?

Yes. We can review the draft plan, identify gaps and provide practical comments before final evaluation.

What documents should I prepare for evaluation?

You may need to provide the draft plan, scope of operations, product details, process flow, hazard analysis, procedures, monitoring records, corrective action forms and supporting evidence.

Can you help if my business changes its process or products?

Yes. If your business changes products, processes, equipment or scope, we can help review whether the Custom Food Control Plan needs updating and whether evaluation may be required.