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Strength testing of Otara Bridge was completed on Monday and Tuesday. Rangitīkei District Council and Manawatū District Council are now awaiting a detailed report from the bridge engineers, which will help inform the next steps for the bridge. Read more here.

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Food grading system has been phased out

October 05, 2026

Food Safety

With the introduction of the Food Act 2014, the previous food grading system has been progressively phased out. As part of this change, from 1 October 2026, Rangitikei District Council will no longer issue food grading certificates to registered food businesses.

Under the Food Act 2014, the focus is now on verification (auditing) rather than the issuing of a food grade. Food businesses are regularly verified to ensure they are operating in accordance with their registered Food Control Plan or National Programme and are meeting the required food safety standards.

Rangitikei District Council appreciate that many of our local food businesses have taken pride in their grading result and in displaying their grading certificate for customers to see. For many businesses, a good grade has been a visible way of demonstrating the high standard of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety they maintain.

While grading certificates will no longer be issued, the standards expected of food businesses have not been reduced. Verification continues to assess whether businesses are meeting their food safety responsibilities and operating in accordance with the requirements of the Food Act 2014.

As the grading system has now been phased out, food businesses will remove any current Rangitikei District Council food grading certificates from public display at their premises.

If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact licensing@rangitikei.govt.nz