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Fundraisers and sausage sizzles

If you are selling food to raise money, you don't need a food registration certificate as long as you operate fewer than 20 times a year.

How it works

You don't need a food registration certificate to sell food at a sausage sizzle or other fundraiser (for example, a school fair) – as long as you operate fewer than 20 times a year.

If you want to sell food more than 20 times a year, you'll need to apply for a food registration certificate.

Safe sausage sizzles

Sausages must be fresh, good quality and ideally pre-cooked. 

Before the event:

  • Buy sausages from a reliable source, as close to the event as possible
  • Store sausages in a clean fridge
  • Do all preparation, including chopping onions and buttering bread
  • Transport and store the sausages in chilly bins with ice packs
  • Always keep food in clean covered containers to protect it from contamination by dust, animals, insects and people

During the event:

  • Clearly display the name of the organisation running the sausage sizzle
  • Have at least two people, preferably three, running the stall – one person should only handle money
  • Food handlers must wear clean clothing, an apron, and their hair must be tied back or under a cap
  • Wash hands and replace gloves often
  • Do not prepare any other meat, including chicken
  • Use suitable utensils, such as tongs, for handling food – do not touch the food with your hands
  • Use different tongs for cooked and uncooked food
  • Cook the sausages properly, so they are hot in the centre
  • Serve food on single-serve serviettes or paper plates
  • Do not leave large quantities of sausages in chilly bins for long periods – use a fridge as a back-up where possible 

Where you can sell food

You can sell food as part of a fundraiser on any private property, as long as it is in a zone that permits commercial activities and you have the permission of the owner.

If you want to sell food as part of a fundraiser in a public space (for example, on road reserve, or in a park or sportsfield), you'll need to make an outdoor event booking request. We generally won't allow sales on a public road or footpath.

If you want to trade as part of a market or event, contact the organiser – they will deal with us on your behalf.

Organising an event

Contact us

The Public Health team is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Public Health
Phone: 04 499 4444
Email: publichealthenquiries@wcc.govt.nz