Since the introduction of new legislation by the Food Authority of NSW in July, 2008, Council’s are required to classify food premises into high, medium and low risk categories. Inspections of food premises are to occur annually in accordance with the new Food Regulation Requirements. All businesses that sell and distribute food products have now been entered on a register.
The primary function of the new legislation is to ensure that all businesses associated with the sale of food comply with the relevant regulations which will ensure food products are suitable for consumption. Inverell Shire Council Planning and Development staff will play a significant role in this inspection process.
Council staff will provide advice to existing and proposed businesses wishing to sell and provide food to any member of the public. In providing this service, proprietors of businesses can ensure that all activities associated with the preparation, service, packaging, transport and storage of food comply with all the relevant legislation.
There are a number of legislative requirements that need to be completed and satisfied prior to the establishment of any food business including applications, registration and mandatory inspections. Information can be obtained by connecting to the website on www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
The sale of food from a temporary or mobile food van will have similar requirements.
To contact Council staff on any matters relating to the sale of food items, please phone the Planning and Development Department on (02) 67 288 202 or refer to the NSW Food Authority on 1300 552406 or search the website at www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
Questions Relating To The Sale Of Food Or Food Businesses
What should I do if I purchase food that appears to be off or has a foreign article in it?
If you purchase food that has a foreign article in it or it is considered unsuitable for consumption, you should:-
· Contact the NSW Food Authority on 1300 552 406, if the product is manufactured outside the Inverell Shire area.
· If it is produced locally, you should contact Council’s Planning and Development Department on (02) 67 288 202. Council staff will then take the relevant information and carry out the necessary investigations to determine the source of the problem.
· All suspected food poisoning incidents should be reported directly to the NSW Food Authority on 1300 552 406.
What do I do if I have food poisoning?
If you think you have food poisoning, you should:
The primary function of the new legislation is to ensure that all businesses associated with the sale of food comply with the relevant regulations which will ensure food products are suitable for consumption. Inverell Shire Council Planning and Development staff will play a significant role in this inspection process.
Council staff will provide advice to existing and proposed businesses wishing to sell and provide food to any member of the public. In providing this service, proprietors of businesses can ensure that all activities associated with the preparation, service, packaging, transport and storage of food comply with all the relevant legislation.
There are a number of legislative requirements that need to be completed and satisfied prior to the establishment of any food business including applications, registration and mandatory inspections. Information can be obtained by connecting to the website on www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
The sale of food from a temporary or mobile food van will have similar requirements.
To contact Council staff on any matters relating to the sale of food items, please phone the Planning and Development Department on (02) 67 288 202 or refer to the NSW Food Authority on 1300 552406 or search the website at www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
Questions Relating To The Sale Of Food Or Food Businesses
What should I do if I purchase food that appears to be off or has a foreign article in it?
If you purchase food that has a foreign article in it or it is considered unsuitable for consumption, you should:-
· Contact the NSW Food Authority on 1300 552 406, if the product is manufactured outside the Inverell Shire area.
· If it is produced locally, you should contact Council’s Planning and Development Department on (02) 67 288 202. Council staff will then take the relevant information and carry out the necessary investigations to determine the source of the problem.
· All suspected food poisoning incidents should be reported directly to the NSW Food Authority on 1300 552 406.
What do I do if I have food poisoning?
If you think you have food poisoning, you should:
· Visit a doctor.
· Report the matter to the NSW Food Authority on 1300 552 406.
The NSW Food Authority may request Council staff to investigate depending on the magnitude of the problem.
Do I need to notify the NSW Food Authority if I am a charity, community group or volunteer making and selling food?
Any organisation selling food for a community or charitable purpose needs to notify the Food Authority only if it is selling potentially hazardous food. Further information can be obtained from the NSW Food Authority website at
www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
Where do I go to obtain more information on food safety?
For information on Food Standards please visit the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website at www.foodstandards.gov.au/thecode/ and the NSW Food Authority website at www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au
Further information can be obtained by contacting Council’s Planning and Development Department on (02) 67 288 202.
Do all food shops have to be licensed?
All businesses which sell, prepare, service package, transport and store food items are required to be registered with the NSW Food Authority.
What do I need to do if I want to establish a food shop or market food for sale from home?
Any food that is prepared for sale must be manufactured and/or stored in premises that meet the minimum requirements of the Food Act, 2003, the Food Standards Code and Australian Standard 4674:2004 Design, Construction and Fit-out of Food Premises. The premises must be approved for use under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Council’s Planning and Development Department on (02) 67 288 202.
Am I required to have formal training to prepare or serve food?
The Food Safety Standard 3.2.2(3) requires all food handlers to have skills and knowledge in food hygiene matters. The current local organization which conduct training course are New England TAFE phone (02) 67 219 034 and Community College phone (02) 67 213 656.
© 2009 Inverell Shire Council
