A person appointed under a state or territory Food Act with legal powers to inspect food businesses and enforce the law.
A person appointed or authorised under a state or territory Food Act, commonly an Environmental Health Officer employed by a council or an officer of the state food regulator.
Typically entering and inspecting food premises, examining records, taking samples, seizing food or equipment, and issuing notices, as set out in the relevant Food Act.
Food Acts generally allow authorised officers to enter and inspect food businesses during operation, and it is an offence to obstruct them. Officers must usually produce identification on request.
No. The role is created by state and territory Food Acts, because enforcement of the Code is a state and territory responsibility, not by the Code itself.
They can use enforcement tools under the Food Act, such as improvement notices, infringement notices, prohibition orders, seizure, or referral for prosecution in serious cases.