Notified food business — Food Safety Glossary

A food business that has formally told its enforcement agency of its existence and details, as required before trading.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a business a notified food business?

It has provided its details to the relevant enforcement agency, usually the local council, as required by Standard 3.2.2 before handling food for sale.

Is being notified the same as being registered?

No. Notification just records that the business exists and what it does, while registration or licensing is a separate approval to operate that some councils and states also require.

Do home-based and market food businesses need to notify?

Yes. Most food businesses, including home-based and market stalls, must notify their council before trading, generally through a single home council for mobile operators.

Does notification cost anything?

Notification itself is often free or low cost, though any separate registration or approval may attract a fee set by the council or state.

What if my business details change?

You should update your notification with the council when key details change, such as ownership, address or the type of food activity you carry out.

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