Who This Service Is For
This service is suitable for food businesses operating under National Programme requirements, including early childhood education centres, childcare centres, kΕhanga reo and centre-based services providing food to children, food storage and distribution businesses, packaged chilled or frozen food retailers, nut and seed processors, bread bakeries, manufacturers of shelf-stable foods, snack food manufacturers, confectionery manufacturers, frozen fruit and vegetable businesses, and other NP1, NP2 or NP3 businesses.
National Programme 1 Verification
National Programme 1 generally applies to lower-risk food activities. Some NP1 businesses may not require ongoing routine verification unless changes, issues or specific requirements apply. We can support NP1 businesses by helping them understand their registration, food safety responsibilities, records and any verification requirements that may apply.
National Programme 2 Verification
National Programme 2 applies to a range of low-risk food businesses including many early childhood centres and childcare food services. For early childhood centres and childcare food services, verification may include reviewing food preparation and serving practices, temperature control records, cleaning and sanitising records, allergen and special dietary requirement controls, infant formula handling practices, children's food handling practices, staff hygiene, food storage and date marking, and daily food safety checks.
National Programme 3 Verification
National Programme 3 generally applies to medium-risk food activities. NP3 verification may include reviewing food safety procedures, process controls, temperature control, cleaning and sanitation, allergen management, traceability and recall systems, supplier controls, product handling and storage, staff training records, corrective actions, monitoring records and food safety system implementation.
Before Registration: Verifier Confirmation
Some National Programme businesses need to contact a verifier before registration and obtain confirmation that the verifier can verify the business. We can assist by reviewing your business activities, confirming whether the service is within recognised scope, providing verifier confirmation where applicable, and explaining what information is needed for registration.
Early Childhood Centre and Childcare Verification Support
Early childhood centres and childcare food services have specific practical food safety needs because food is prepared or served to children. We can support early childhood centres by reviewing kitchen food safety practices, daily temperature checks, cleaning and sanitising records, food storage and date marking, allergen and special dietary requirement management, infant formula practices, staff hygiene and food handling, corrective actions, food safety forms, and staff training needs.
Common Issues Found During National Programme Verification
- Required National Programme records are missing, incomplete, or not available at the time of verification.
- Temperature monitoring records do not demonstrate that food safety controls are being met.
- Staff practices do not match the business's documented procedures or National Programme requirements.
- Allergen controls, including declarations, warnings, or advisory statements where applicable, are not adequately demonstrated.
- Corrective actions for identified problems are not recorded, completed, or verified.
- Recall or traceability procedures have not been tested, where applicable.
- Previous verification outcomes or corrective action requests have not been adequately addressed.
- Significant changes to the registered food business have not been notified to the registration authority. This may include changes to the person who runs the business, the type of food made, processes used, scope of operations, verification agency, or site address details.
How We Can Help
- NP1, NP2 and NP3 verification
- Verifier confirmation where required
- Pre-verification preparation
- Record and procedure review
- Corrective action support
- First verification preparation
- Childcare and early childhood food safety verification support
Our Process
Initial Enquiry
We discuss your food business, registration status, National Programme level, food activities and verification requirements.
Scope Confirmation
We confirm the verification scope and whether your business operates under NP1, NP2 or NP3.
Verifier Confirmation, Where Required
If verifier confirmation is required before registration, we can provide this where applicable and within recognised scope.
Verification Booking
We schedule the verification based on your business availability, verifier availability and any required timeframe.
Record and Procedure Review
We review relevant food safety records, procedures and evidence before or during the verification.
Verification Assessment
The verifier checks whether your business is following good food safety practices, keeping records and managing food safety risks.
Verification Report
A verification report is issued after the assessment. The report summarises the outcome, evidence reviewed and any corrective actions required.
Corrective Action Close-Out
If corrective actions are raised, your business must address them within the required timeframe. We can help explain what evidence may be needed for close-out.
Need National Programme Verification or Help Preparing for NP1, NP2 or NP3 Verification?
Contact us today for free initial guidance. We can help you understand what to prepare, what records may be needed and the next step for your food business.