Are you thinking of starting or taking over a food business and not sure where to begin when it comes to food safety compliance? Well, we are here to help point you in the right direction.
Firstly, it's important to understand your business's legal obligations BEFORE you open for business. This will ensure the food you sell is safe, your business meets the required legal standards and ultimately save you time and money in the long run.
Even though every food business in Australia must comply with the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code, each state or territory has its own legislation, including registration and or licensing requirements. So your local food authority (e.g. your local council) is the best place to find out exactly what's required to start and operate your business. Local laws will also need to be considered.
Before you call your local food authority it is a good idea to think about what questions to ask in order to speed up the process and determine your food safety requirements faster.
To save you time we have put together 10 questions to ask your local food authority.
| 1. Do I need to notify, register, or obtain a license for my food business? |
| 2. Are there any fees associated? |
| 3. What is my proposed food business's classification? |
| 4. Does my food business require a food safety program or management system? |
| 5. How often will my food business be audited, assessed, or inspected? |
| 6. Who can I contact if I have any food safety queries or concerns (e.g. a local Environmental Health Officer (EHO))? |
| 7. Does my business need trained staff such as a qualified Food Safety Supervisor? If so, what qualifications do they require? |
| 8. Does my business require a 3rd party audit? If so, where can I find a list of certified auditors? |
| 9. Are there food premises design and construction guidelines available? |
| 10. Can I use a template food safety program and where can find one? |
Once you have determined exactly what you need to ask, all you need to do is contact your local food authority. Contact information for each state and territory are listed here.
We also understand it can also be daunting to find the right training, equipment and service providers to ensure compliance. Whether you're looking for the right training course, thermometer, sanitiser, pest control service, or anything else that will assist your compliance, we can help you find the best suppliers in your area. Simply tell us what you need and we'll do the rest.
Australian State and Territory Food Authority Contacts
Contact your state or territory food authority to determine what the requirements are for your business and find out how they can assist you.
| New South Wales | Local Council Website: Find Your local Council in NSW For information about starting a food business contact the relevant local government where the proposed food business is to be located. The NSW Food Authority also provides information on starting a food business. Refer to the website and contact details below. NSW Food Authority Website: www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au The NSW Food Authority provides detailed information on starting a food business in NSW. Refer to the website and contact details above. |
| Victoria | Local CouncilWebsite: Find your local council in Victoria For information about starting a food business contact the relevant local government where the proposed food business is to be located. Dairy Food Safety VictoriaPhone: 03 9810 5900 Website: www.dairysafe.vic.gov.au Contact Dairy Food Safety Victoria for advice on starting a business related to selling, transporting, or preparing predominantly dairy products (e.g. a cheesemaker or dairy). Prime Safe VictoriaPhone: 03 9685 733 Website: www.primesafe.vic.gov.au Contact Prime Safe Victoria or check out their website for advice on starting a food business involving selling, transporting, or preparing predominantly meat (e.g. a butcher) or seafood (e.g. a fishmonger). Department of Health and Human Services - Food SafetyPhone: 1300 364 352 Website: www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/food-safety The Department of Health and Human Services website provides detailed information on starting a food business in Victoria, including information on requirements, such as food safety supervisors, food safety programs and food labelling. |
| Northern Territory | Department of Health (Environmental Health - Public Health)Phone: 08 922 7152 or 1800 095 646 (Food Safety Hotline) Website: www.nt.gov.au For information about starting a food business in the Northern Territory, check out the Department of Health website or phone Environmental Health on the number provided. |
| Western Australia | Local CouncilWebsite: Find Your Local Council in WA For information on starting a food business in WA, contact the relevant local government environmental and public health services, where the proposed food business is to be located. The Department of Health website also includes helpful information for businesses looking to start a food business (see below). Department of Health – Environmental HealthPhone: (08) 9222 4222 Website: ww2.health.wa.gov.au Take a look at the Department of Health website for advice on starting a food business in WA. Contact the Environmental Health Directorate of the Department of Health if you are looking to start a food business involving:
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| South Australia | Local GovernmentWebsite: Find your local council in SA For information about starting a food business contact the relevant local government where the proposed food business is to be located. SA HealthPhone: 08 8226 7100 (Food Section) Website: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au Contact SA Health for advice on food business regulation, safety and hygiene requirements. Department of Primary Industries and RegionsPhone: 08 8429 0837 Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au Contact the Department of Primary Industries and Resources if your inquiry relates to food safety in the primary industry sector (excluding dairy), such as meat (e.g. butchers), eggs, or seafood. Dairy Authority of South AustraliaPhone: 08 8223 2277 Website: www.dairy-safe.com.au Contact the Dairy Authority of South Australia if your inquiry relates to the safety and quality of the production and processing of dairy products, including food safety arrangements and accreditation of dairy farmers, dairy processors, and dairy transport businesses. |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACT Health Protection Service Phone: 02 5124 9700 Website: www.health.act.gov.au For information on starting a food business in the ACT contact the ACT Health Protection Service or take a look at their website. |
| Tasmania | Local Council Website: Find local council in Tasmania For information on starting a food business in Tasmania, contact your local government where the proposed food business is located. Department of Health and Human Services – Public and Environmental Health ServicesPhone:1800 671 738 (Public Health Hotline) Website: www.dhhs.tas.gov.au Contact the Public and Environmental Health Services if your inquiry relates to food safety compliance, publications, and information. The DHHS website also includes information for business for starting a food business, including food business classification information, safety program templates, labelling information, and much more. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and EnvironmentPhone: 03 62338011 or 1300 368 550 (Free Call within Australia) Website: www.dpiw.tas.gov.au For information on starting a primary industry food business, such as eggs, meat and poultry, seafood and seed sprouts, contact the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment and take a look at their website. Visit the Tasmanian Dairy Industry Authority website for information about licensing, inspection and auditing of dairy businesses (details below). Tasmanian Dairy Industry Authority Phone: 03 6478 4100 Website: www.tdia.tas.gov.au For information on starting a dairy business in Tasmania (including licensing, inspection and auditing) contact the Tasmanian Dairy Industry Authority or check out their website (above). |
| Queensland | Local Council Website: Find your local council in QLD For information on starting a food business, contact your local government where the food business is located. Public Health Units Website: www.health.qld.gov.au Contact your closest Public Health Unit if your inquiry relates to labelling, publications, information on food legislation, complaints about suspected food-borne illness, contamination of food and food recalls, as well as food safety programs in Queensland Government facilities. Safe Food Queensland Phone: 07 3253 9800 or 1800 300 815 Website: www.safefood.qld.gov.au Contact Safe Food Queensland if your inquiry relates to starting a food business that involves the production and processing of primary produce (dairy, meat, seafood, sprouts and eggs). |
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