Operating a Food Business

If you operate a food business within the Glen Innes Severn Local Government Area (LGA), there are important compliance obligations under the Food Act 2003, Food Regulation 2015, and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Glen Innes Severn Council’s Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) are responsible for monitoring food safety in the LGA. Their responsibilities include:

  • Inspecting food and drink premises
  • Educating food business operators
  • Promoting safe and hygienic food practices
  • Assessing new food shop proposals and extensions to existing food shops
  • Investigating food poisoning and unsafe practices
  • Enforcing food safety legislation

Before opening a food premises, you must contact Council to discuss:

  • Registration and notification requirements
  • NSW Food Authority licensing (if applicable)
  • Development consent (if required)
  • Compliance with national food safety standards

Food Business Registration

All food premises must be registered with Council prior to operating. This is a legal requirement under the Food Act 2003.

Failure to register may result in penalties.

Download the Food Business Registration Form(PDF, 618KB)

Mandatory Food Safety Requirements

Changes Under Standard 3.2.2A (Effective 8 December 2024)

As of 8 December 2024, most retail and hospitality food businesses in NSW must meet new food safety requirements. These apply to businesses that handle unpackaged, potentially hazardous food served ready-to-eat, including:

  • Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and takeaway shops
  • School canteens, children’s services, and OOSH services
  • Delis, supermarkets, and coffee vendors

  • Correctional centres, boarding schools, and food charities

You must now:

  1.  Have a certified Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) onsite
  2. Ensure all food handlers complete food safety and hygiene training

  3. Be able to demonstrate food safety practices

Businesses that only slice, repack, reheat, or hot-hold ready-made food must still meet the first two requirements.

These changes are part of Standard 3.2.2A of the Food Standards Code.

Food Safety Supervisor (FSS)

An FSS is required for many food businesses, including:

  • Restaurants, cafés, pubs, and takeaway shops
  • Caterers and bakeries
  • Supermarkets selling hot ready-to-eat meals

An FSS must:

  • Be trained in accredited units of competency
  • Hold a valid certificate issued within the last five years
  • Not serve as the FSS for more than one business or mobile unit

  • Be able to supervise and train food handlers onsite

Training must be completed through an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

For a list of providers and guidelines, visit Guideline to Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) requirements

Can I conduct a Food Manufacturing Business from home?

You cannot operate a food business from home without approval. Home-based food preparation is not exempt development and must comply with Australian Standard 4674-2004.

This includes:

  • Using a purpose-built or upgraded commercial-grade kitchen

  • Obtaining development consent where required

Download the Fact Sheet - Home Business Food Manufacturing(PDF, 162KB) to learn more.

Alternatively, contact Council's Department of Place & Growth on (02) 6730 2300 or email council@gisc.nsw.gov.au

Low Visibility Food Businesses

Selling food? You need to notify

 Running a food business involves a range of responsibilities and obligations to keep people safe.

 No matter how big or small, or if it's home-based, online-only, or even temporary, if you sell food you need to tell council about your business.

 This ensures council can check compliance with food safety laws and make sure the food produced is safe to eat.

 The reminder comes following a statewide clamp down on dark kitchens – delivery only food businesses operating out of sight of consumers and authorities, often from homes or industrial premises.

Download the Low visibility food business compliance process flowchart(PDF, 58KB) to learn more. Alternatively, please contact Council's Directorate of Place & Growth on (02) 6730 2300 or council@gisc.nsw.gov.au 

Fees and Charges

Council charges an annual administration fee to registered food businesses (excluding not-for-profits and charities). This covers activities such as:

  • Education campaigns and mail-outs
  • Database management
  • Food recall participation
  • Inspections and compliance activities

  • Issuing Scores on Doors certificates

Re-inspection fees apply where businesses fail to meet food safety standards.

Current fees are listed in Council’s Operational Plan. Fees are reviewed annually during the public exhibition period.

Non-payment may result in debt collection and referral to credit agencies.

Reporting Unsafe Food Practices

Help maintain community food safety. Report any of the following:

  •  Out-of-date or opened food
  • Swollen/dented cans or mouldy packaging
  • Unrefrigerated foods that should be cold
  • Poor hygiene or pest activity
  • Unsafe food handling or storage

Contact a Council Environmental Health Officer on (02) 6730 2300 or email council@gisc.nsw.gov.au

 Visit the NSW Food Authority Website for more information.

Resources and Support

The NSW Food Authority website offers tools and guidance to help businesses meet their obligations:

The NSW Food Authority Helpline is also available for advice:

1300 552 406 (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm NSW time)

Email food.contact@dpi.nsw.gov.au

For further assistance, contact Council's Department of Place and Growth on (02) 6730 2300 or email Council at council@gisc.nsw.gov.au

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