More than 700 local businesses are having to adapt to new legislation which is taking effect today.

All companies and organisations dealing with food must comply with a new act and the changes within.

Existing companies have a grace period in which to adjust systems in line with the updated law.

It covers any firms that make, sell, grow or transport food commercially.

There's about 715 affected businesses in Dunedin.

Most changes relate to managing food safety and risk.

Production companies are now subject to more stringent requirements than retailers, whereas the old law had a one-size-fits-all approach.