diff --git a/package/file/file.mk b/package/file/file.mk
index 5fb3e9c6e8..201651cdbc 100644
--- a/package/file/file.mk
+++ b/package/file/file.mk
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 FILE_VERSION = 5.28
 FILE_SITE = ftp://ftp.astron.com/pub/file
 FILE_DEPENDENCIES = host-file zlib
+HOST_FILE_DEPENDENCIES = host-zlib
 FILE_CONF_ENV = ac_cv_prog_cc_c99='-std=gnu99'
 FILE_INSTALL_STAGING = YES
 FILE_LICENSE = BSD-2c, one file BSD-4c, one file BSD-3c