Simply Safe and Suitable Food Control Plan Update August 2026

Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand has released an updated version of the Simply Safe & Suitable Template Food Control Plan (FCP), but don’t rush off to replace your current plan just yet.

The new version, v39-00006, was released on 7 August 2026 and includes updates for food businesses making and selling certain pre-cooked chilled and frozen meals directly to consumers.

Do you need to update your Food Control Plan?

According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, you only need to update your current plan because of this change if your business intends to make and sell:

• Pre-cooked chilled meals with a shelf life of no more than five days
• Frozen meals
• These meals directly to consumers

If your business doesn't make and sell these types of meals, you don't need to update your current plan because of this change. So you can stop reading now if that's you!

What do you need to do?

If the update does apply to your business, MPI gives you three options. You can:

1. Replace the relevant cards in your existing plan with the updated versions.
2. Replace your entire plan with the new v39-00006 version.
3. Write the relevant changes onto the cards in your existing plan.

Once you've made the changes, make sure your team understands any updated food safety procedures you've adopted.

You'll also need to show your verifier your updated plan or cards at your next verification.

Find the updated plan

You can find version v39-00006, the updated individual cards and full guidance directly from New Zealand Food Safety.

View the Simply Safe & Suitable FCP update on the MPI website →