All businesses selling food are required to notify their local council. Under the Food Act a food business means a business, enterprise or activity (other than a primary food production business) that involves:

(a) the handling of food intended for sale; or
(b) the sale of food

regardless of whether the business, enterprise or activity concerned is of a commercial, charitable or community nature or whether it involves the handling or sale of food on one occasion only.

Food business even includes businesses like chemists, cinemas, corner stores, petrol stations and swimming pools, if they sell packaged or any other type of food. Food businesses, from major food manufacturers to the local church group that holds a once per year food fair, have defined responsibilities under the legislation to ensure the safety of food.

The Department’s Food Safety Reform News of November 2002 will help you decide if your business is classed under the Act as a primary food production business that does not have to notify.

How do food businesses notify?

Food business notification can be done at the Food Business Notification website or by contacting the Environmental Health officer at your local council office for a notification form. There is no fee for notification.

Mobile food businesses will notify the council in which the vehicle is normally garaged.

You need only complete the notification process ONCE unless your details change.