The local government body that registers, inspects and enforces food safety law for most food businesses in its area.
The local government body that registers, inspects and enforces food safety law for most food businesses in its area. The local council is, for most food businesses in Australia, the front-line enforcement agency for food safety. Under each state or territory Food Act, councils are given responsibility for administering the law within their area, which includes taking notifications, registering businesses, inspecting premises and taking enforcement action. Councils employ environmental health officers who act as authorised officers under the Food Act. While FSANZ writes the standards and the state or territory sets the law, it is usually the council that a food business deals with day to day, from opening a new premises to responding to a complaint. In practice a food business will notify or register with its local council before trading, be inspected by council officers according to its risk classification, and receive any improvement notices, infringement notices or prohibition orders from the council. Councils also handle food complaints, investigate suspected foodborne illness and provide guidance to local operators. Some higher-risk sectors, such as certain manufacturers or businesses serving vulnerable persons, may instead deal with a state authority rather than the council, and mobile businesses often work with a single home council. A good working relationship with the local council helps a business stay compliant and resolve issues quickly. When a new juice bar opens in a Queensland town, it registers with the local council, is inspected by a council environmental health officer, and later contacts the same council when a customer complaint needs to be investigated.
Frequently asked questions
What does the local council do for food safety?
Councils take notifications, register food businesses, inspect premises, respond to complaints and issue enforcement notices under the state or territory Food Act.
Is the council the same as FSANZ?
No. FSANZ writes the national standards, the state or territory sets the law, and the local council usually enforces it on the ground.
Do all food businesses deal with the council?
Most do, but some higher-risk sectors deal with a state authority instead, and mobile businesses often work with a single home council.
Who inspects my business?
Council environmental health officers, acting as authorised officers under the Food Act, usually carry out inspections.
How do I find my local council requirements?
Contact your council directly or check its website, as notification, registration and fee requirements vary between councils.
