Queensland: register a food business, council inspections, Food Safety Supervisor rules, Standard 3.2.2A and record-keeping.
In Queensland, food businesses are regulated under the Food Act 2006 (Qld) and the Food Standards Code. Most fixed premises, mobile vehicles and temporary stalls need a food business licence from their local council. Councils inspect standard licences, audit higher-risk accredited businesses, and handle food safety complaints, with Queensland Health at state level. Quick facts: Governing law: Food Act 2006 (Qld), applying the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code; Licence required: Most fixed, mobile and temporary food businesses need a food business licence from their local council; Licence types: Accredited (higher-risk, audited) vs non-accredited (standard, inspected) licences; Food Safety Supervisor: Licensed food businesses must nominate a Food Safety Supervisor with appropriate competencies; Audits: Higher-risk accredited businesses generally need an accredited food safety program and are audited against it; Inspection basis: Council Environmental Health Officers inspect on a risk-based frequency; verify with your council; Complaints: Report food safety concerns to your council's environmental health team; escalate via Queensland Health; Fees: Licence application and annual renewal fees are set by each council and vary; check the council fee schedule; Last verified: 2026 — confirm current requirements with your local council. How do I get a food business licence in Queensland? To operate a food business in Queensland, you generally apply for a food business licence from your local council under the Food Act 2006 (Qld) . Most fixed premises, mobile food vehicles and temporary event stalls that handle food require licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the food you handle. Businesses handling higher-risk (licensable) food must be licensed, while some lower-risk activities may be exempt or only notifiable. Your council determines the correct category for your activities. Applications are typically lodged with the council for the area where your business operates, and mobile vehicles are licensed by the council where the vehicle is based. This is general guidance only — confirm the exact process, forms and requirements with your local council. What is an accredited food safety program in Queensland, and who needs an audit? In Queensland, an accredited food safety program is a documented plan that a higher-risk (licensable) business must have accredited by its council and then be audited against. It identifies food safety hazards and the controls used to manage them. Accredited licences generally apply to businesses serving food to vulnerable persons — for example some aged care, hospital and childcare food services. These businesses are audited rather than only inspected. Many standard cafes and restaurants hold non-accredited licences and are inspected by council Environmental Health Officers instead of audited. Your council confirms whether your business is accredited or non-accredited. How often do councils inspect or audit food businesses in Queensland? In Queensland, inspection and audit frequency is risk-based and set by each local council, so there is no single fixed interval that applies to every business. Council Environmental Health Officers inspect non-accredited (standard) licensed premises, while accredited (higher-risk) businesses are audited against their accredited food safety program. Higher-risk activities and any past compliance issues can mean more frequent visits. Because schedules differ between councils, confirm how often your specific business will be inspected or audited directly with your local council. How do I make a food safety complaint in Queensland? To make a food safety complaint in Queensland, contact the environmental health team at the local council responsible for the area where the food business operates. Councils investigate complaints about food premises, handling and hygiene under the Food Act 2006 (Qld). Useful details include the business name and address, the date, and what you observed or experienced. If a matter needs to be escalated beyond the council, it can be raised with Queensland Health at state level. This is general guidance — your council can explain how to lodge a complaint and what information it needs. How much does a food business licence cost in Queensland? Food business licence costs in Queensland are set by each local council and are not a single state-wide figure, so fees vary depending on where and how your business operates. Typically there is a licence application fee plus an annual renewal fee , and the amount can depend on the business type and risk category. Some councils charge additional fees for changes or transfers. For accurate, current pricing, check the fee schedule published by your local council rather than relying on a general estimate. Do I need a Food Safety Supervisor in Queensland? Licensed food businesses in Queensland must nominate a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) who holds the appropriate competencies for the business's food handling activities. The FSS is the person responsible for recognising and preventing food safety risks in day-to-day operations and for guiding other food handlers. The required competencies relate to safe food handling and the requirements of the Food Act 2006 (Qld) and the Food Standards Code. Requirements can vary with the type of business, so confirm the specific FSS obligations that apply to your licence with your local council.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to open a food business in Queensland?
Yes. In Queensland, most fixed food premises, mobile food vehicles and temporary event stalls need a food business licence from their local council under the Food Act 2006 (Qld). Whether a licence is required depends on the food handled; some lower-risk activities may be exempt or notifiable. Confirm your category with your council.
What law governs food businesses in Queensland?
Food businesses in Queensland are governed by the Food Act 2006 (Qld), which applies the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Local councils administer licensing and enforcement, with Queensland Health responsible at state level. The framework covers licensing, food safety programs, inspections, audits and complaints for food businesses across Queensland.
What is the difference between accredited and non-accredited licences in Queensland?
In Queensland, accredited licences apply to higher-risk businesses, such as some that serve food to vulnerable persons, which must hold an accredited food safety program and be audited against it. Non-accredited licences cover standard businesses like many cafes and restaurants, which are inspected by council officers rather than audited.
Do I need a Food Safety Supervisor for my Queensland food business?
Yes. Licensed food businesses in Queensland must nominate a Food Safety Supervisor who holds appropriate competencies for the business's food handling activities. The FSS helps recognise and prevent food safety risks and guides other food handlers. Requirements can vary by business type, so confirm the exact obligations for your licence with your local council.
Who inspects food businesses in Queensland?
Council Environmental Health Officers inspect food businesses in Queensland. Non-accredited (standard) licensed premises are inspected, while accredited (higher-risk) businesses are audited against their accredited food safety program. Inspection and audit frequency is risk-based and set by each local council, so the schedule for your business can vary by location and risk.
How often will my food business be inspected in Queensland?
In Queensland, inspection and audit frequency is risk-based and decided by each local council, so there is no single fixed interval. Higher-risk accredited businesses are audited against their food safety program, and standard businesses are inspected by council officers. Past compliance issues can increase visit frequency. Confirm your schedule with your local council.
How do I report a food safety problem in Queensland?
To report a food safety problem in Queensland, contact the environmental health team at the local council that covers the food business's area. Councils investigate complaints about premises, food handling and hygiene under the Food Act 2006 (Qld). Matters can be escalated to Queensland Health at state level if needed. Provide the business name, address and details.
How much does a Queensland food business licence cost?
Food business licence fees in Queensland are set by each local council and vary, so there is no single state-wide amount. There is usually an application fee plus an annual renewal fee, which can depend on business type and risk category. For accurate current pricing, check the fee schedule published by your local council.
Do mobile food vans and market stalls need a licence in Queensland?
Yes. In Queensland, mobile food vehicles and temporary event stalls generally require licensing from a local council under the Food Act 2006 (Qld), similar to fixed premises. Mobile vehicles are usually licensed by the council where the vehicle is based. Requirements depend on the food handled, so confirm the correct process with the relevant council.
Is this a substitute for legal or council advice in Queensland?
No. This page is general guidance about food business regulation in Queensland and is not legal advice. Requirements under the Food Act 2006 (Qld) and the Food Standards Code are applied locally, and details such as licence categories, fees and inspection schedules vary by council. Always confirm your obligations with your local council or a qualified adviser.