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Australian Food safety laws and requirements

A major headache when setting up or operating a food business is finding and interpreting Australia's food legislation. There’s a lot to take in and while most food businesses understand that food safety compliance is important, they often have no idea where to start. We’re here to point you in the right direction. 

When it comes to food safety, all food businesses in Australia must comply with both the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code, as well as laws set out by each state and territory (see links to State and Territory Legislation below).  However, to find out exactly what's required, including information on issues, such as food licensing or registration, food safety programs, or training requirements, businesses will need to contact their local food authority


Your Local Food Authority

Local, state and territory food authorities don’t just monitor compliance with the Food Standards Code and local legislation, they also provide guidelines and detailed information on what is required for each type or class of food business. For food authority contact details, including website links for each state and territory, click here.


Food Standards Code

The Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code places obligations on Australian food businesses to produce food that is safe and suitable to eat. They also ensure that food handlers and their supervisors have the skills and knowledge of food safety and food hygiene required for the work they do. 

For a copy of the Food Standards Code, as well as guidelines and information sheets to support the implementation of the Standards, check out the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand website - www.foodstandards.gov.au.


State & Territory Legislation

Below are links to food safety legislation relevant to each state and territory in Australia. As mentioned above, you will still need to contact your local food authority (such as your local Council or state food safety unit) to find out what specific requirements your business will need to comply with.


ACT QLD SA VIC
NSW NT TAS WA 


For More Information

For more details, including a list of local food authority contacts (by state and territory), check out the Starting a Food Business page. We hope the information on these pages makes things a little clearer.