The Food Hygiene Regulations 1974:
- Governs the way food premises must be fitted out
- Outlines safe food handling guidelines
- Provides guidelines on proper worker conduct, and
- Outlines food protection measures.
This is the primary piece of legislation that council must enforce in regard to the operation of food businesses.
The regulation is necessary to ensure that premises are fitted out and operated in a manner which will reduce food contamination and reduce the incidence of foodbourne illness for customers.
All food businesses should be aware of the requirements of the regulations and be actively ensuring they comply with them at all times.
Exemption from the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974
If you visit a food business that is not displaying a grade certificate or Certificate of Registration it may be because they are exempt from the Food Hygiene Regulations. Most of the currently exempt premises in Manukau are large chain stores and factories.
Approval of a 
Food Safety Programme (FSP) by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) will exempt a business from the requirements of the Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 as well as council registration and inspection.
In order to become exempt you must: