The government is easing regulations for home-based cake makers, aiming to make it more affordable and straightforward for hobby bakers to sell their products.
Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard and Regulation Minister David Seymour announced a series of changes aimed at cutting compliance costs and reducing paperwork for businesses classified as “low-risk.”
Starting in November, home-based cake makers will benefit from simpler registration processes and will no longer be subject to ongoing verification requirements.
“There is no reason low-risk cake makers should have to navigate the same level of red tape and compliance costs as a large commercial bakery, but currently they do,” Hoggard said.
“These changes fix what matters for bakers. They will find it easier and cheaper to operate, opening the door for more people to turn their hobby into a business or an extra income stream.”
Home-based bakers will still be required to report any food safety concerns, actively participate in the Food Safety recall process, and complete a free training programme once it is available. These measures are intended to ensure that despite the reduced regulatory burden, essential food safety practices remain in place to protect consumers.
Hoggard expects the change to increase competition and boost consumer options, especially in smaller towns where choices can be limited.
“Businesses take food safety seriously because they want their customers to come back and to spread the word. Where we have rules, they should be proportionate to the actual risk.”
Regulation Minister David Seymour said the changes were prompted by numerous complaints received through the government’s Red Tape Tipline.
“Dozens of cake makers got in touch to say the current requirements didn’t make sense. The Ministry investigated, agreed, and now we’re fixing it.”